The Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF), an Ocean-Minded celebration of film and surf culture, has officially announced the winners of its 2025 Festival. Now in its third year, the event showcased the best in oceanic storytelling, conservation, and creativity.
Riki Kucheck, DPFF 2025 Festival Director, shared, “We are happy to announce our 2025 winners. We had a record number of submissions, yet fewer selections this year to increase the meaning of winning here at DPFF.” Kucheck added, “Past winners have gone on to achieve international distribution and commercial success with their films.”
Recognized as a GoldLevelFilm Festival by the acclaimed platform FilmFreeway, DPFF attracts filmmakers from around the globe and is internationally recognized as a must-attend event for ocean-minded storytellers.
2025 DPFF AWARD WINNERS
Best Feature – Shaping the Future
Best Short Narrative – Sacrebleu
Best Short Documentary – Breath of Life – El Leon
Best Short Animation – Ana and the Turtle
Best Local Short – Rights of Passage
Legends Award – Jericho Poppler
In recognition of promoting the sport of surfing and environmental concerns
This year’s competition also included submissions from youth filmmaking teams at the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley, supported by sponsors William Ryan Company and Glenn Bushmire Principal of SiFi Lending. Together, they helped curate a meaningful event promoting artistic youth filmmaking, raising awareness, and learning about crucial ocean issues.
Boys and Girls Club Winners:
1st – Kylie and Derek’s Adventure
2nd – Why Glaciers
3rd – Facts About Orcas
Special Events & Community Celebrations
Thursday: Meet the Filmmakers Party at Craft House with Divina Jasso and DJ Crème De La Crème. Friday: Opening Night Film Party at El Caminante Bar & Bungalows featuring DJ Pete the Russian, DJ Knoe1, Drumma Keith, Alfiya Glow, and Crème De La Crème.
Saturday: Closing Party at Killer Dana with VIP DJ Crème De La Crème, sponsored by Laelia Tequila. Sunday: Giant outdoor screening of Jaws 50th Anniversary on Baby Beach, Dana Point Harbor.
A Message from the Founder
Lloyd Bryan Molander, Founder and Co-Festival Director of DPFF, stated, “DPFF is a celebration of the sea’s splendor through cinematic storytelling. Our hope is that the community left feeling entertained and inspired to protect our ocean. DPFF is truly a community event; we couldn’t do without their passionate and unwavering support. We look forward to 2026 and encourage everyone and in particular the South Coast community to visit www.danapointfilm.org to learn more about supporting, sponsoring, and participating in next year’s festival.”
About Dana Point Film Festival
Dana Point Film Festival (DPFF) is an ocean-minded film festival celebrating documentaries and narratives that explore conservation, exploration, education, recreation, surfing, arts, music, and culture.
Owned and produced by Tenacity Entertainment, LLC, DPFF is a “for cause” benefits entity focused on bringing art and entertainment to communities worldwide.
The festival was founded by Lloyd Bryan Molander, ocean and surf documentary filmmaker, CEO of Tenacity Entertainment, LLC, and Co-Founder of the Extreme Sports Channel. Riki Kucheck served as Festival Director; GlennBushmire, Managing Director and founding sponsor of SiFiLending; and Maria Elena Banks, Co-Founder and City of Dana Point Arts Ambassador.
About SiFi Lending
A new innovative lending platform is designed to excel in delivering the most competitive rates on the most common loan products. Plus, the extensive knowledge and experience necessary to perform for the most complicated borrowers, investors, property types and transactions outside the norm. As Principal of GBT Glenn Bushmire Team- the secret is simple, never give up and always give back.
About Madrid Events
Madrid Events, led by brothers Jamey and Jeremy Madrid, combined with over 20 years of professional event production experience to the Dana Point Film Festival. Their team has managed events from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals with over 50,000 attendees, working with clients such as Microsoft, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Grammy Awards.
Key Sponsors & Beneficiaries
SiFi Lending – Glenn Bushmire Team, William Ryan Company, Cityside Fiber, Katrina Foley (OC Supervisor & Vice Chair), City of Dana Point, Killer Dana, Laelia Tequila, , Hilton Garden Inn Doheny Beach, Dana Point Times &Times Media Group, Donut Shoppe Culture, Harbor Partners, and our Non-Profit beneficiary - Stand Up to Trash, and The Boys and Girls Clubs.
Media Contact
Company Name: Dana Point Film Festival
Email: Send Email
City: Dana Point
State: California
Country: United States
Website: www.danapointfilm.org
