Our Story

Our Beginning | Testimonials | Sponsors | Press

Julie Mell, a resident Coastsider in Montara, just north of Half Moon Bay, has been a passionate independent film lover her entire life. Julie’s passion for excellence in independent films has become more discriminating and sophisticated as a result of attending the renowned Sundance Film Festival for over 25 years now.

Identifying a lack of independent films and outdoor movie entertainment in general on the San Mateo County coast in recent years, Julie launched Beach Break Entertainment at the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdown in August, 2020. Beach Break Entertainment became a silver lining of the pandemic, as its screenings provided a welcome opportunity for the Coastside community and beyond to enjoy a safe, coastal respite in the form of a nostalgic family or date night at a pop-up drive-in cinema experience. In addition, each film screening resulted in much-needed business for local restaurants and establishments, as well as contributions to local nonprofits.

A valued and integral member of the Coastside creative community herself, Julie was encouraged to produce a local film festival. What had also been a lifelong dream of Julie’s seemed like a natural progression, and Beach Break Film Festival (BBFFHMB) became a reality. The inaugural Beach Break Film Festival took place in December of 2022 the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, which was chosen specifically because it is a time when families and friends are looking for a chance to relax. There are few places more ideal to do so than in a beautiful, quiet coastal community that also now offers a unique independent film experience.

Julie’s experience with Beach Break Entertainment, in addition to having served as a volunteer of Windrider Bay Area for 10 years and Associate Director of the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival, have given her the perfect background to create and execute this extraordinary new cultural event on the San Mateo County coast. The second annual Beach Break Film Festival in December, 2023, promises not to disappoint in its continuation of showing some of today’s most groundbreaking and thought-provoking independent films.   

Beach Break Entertainment makes a donation to a local nonprofit for each performance, with over $16,000 donated to organizations that include the Pacific Beach Coalition, Sea Hugger, Cabrillo Education Foundation, the Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School PTO, I Know Joe, Sunset Ridge Elementary PTO and more.

We’ve partnered with venues like cool, coastal newcomer, Jettywave Distillery in Half Moon Bay’s Princeton Harbor, and Sea Bowl Entertainment Center in Pacifica that offer easy getaways for City, Silicon Valley and Coastsider residents alike.

Our debut screening, apropos for the setting, was Chasing Mavericks. Guests who attended the sold-out event raved about their unique experience, and we invite you to join us for upcoming screenings throughout the year.

Movie nights under our coastal stars provide a welcome and nostalgic respite from City and suburban life and the most fun, fresh air date nights for friends, families and singles alike.

“Julie Mell and Beach Break Entertainment are amazing to work with. Together we put on a very successful fundraiser for Square Peg Foundation. There’s a lot of moving parts to put on a drive-in movie fundraiser, and Julie was one step ahead of each one. From identifying, negotiating and setting up the beautiful HMB location to sourcing the food trucks to helping us get press and fundraise, Julie and her team were amazing. Julie has created a truly enchanting service for the Coastside community, and I look forward to the next time we are able to work together.” —Michael Yablon, Director of Square Peg Foundation

“You nailed it last night! Excellent job! We had a wonderful time. I was told last night when we got home that we are going to participate in every one of these movie nights. My wife and daughters loved it! What went right: the woman who walked down the line of cars waiting to get in and confirmed the ticket list -- great thinking!  Made entry very smooth. The popcorn and candy and cookies; super yummy, we loved the wagon cart!” —Brian Arnold

“Fantastic! I'm a proud donor to this. This will be a great addition to coastal life if we keep it going regularly.” —Ian Patterson

“We loved the movie, loved the jelly beans, loved the friendly people, including the amazingly diligent folks parking our cars and selling concessions. Well done! Can’t wait til the next one.” —Michael B. Day

We are especially grateful to our past, current and future sponsors who help us to spread joy along the coast and make sharing these extraordinary films possible. Want to become a sponsor? Contact Julie Mell at julie@beachbreakentertainment.com.

Past Presenting Sponsors

Thank you!

Beach Break Entertainment organizer Julie Mell gives thanks to sponsors, the city of Half Moon Bay and YOU for making our kick-off event such a success. Aired before the feature film Chasing Mavericks on August 13th, 2020.