catalina film festival
Marilyn’s Dark Paradise screened at the 2026 Catalina Film Festival (September 25–27) at the Avalon Theater on Catalina Island, followed by a panel with director Remi Gangarossa and lead actress Stephanie Stuart.
There is an island off the coast of California where bison roam and the locals drive golf carts. The bison were the result of a film production in 1925 called The Vanishing American. Many classic films were made on Catalina Island, and the Avalon Theater is now home to the Catalina Film Festival. As for the golf carts, I have no idea of their origin.
This film festival was important for the cast and crew of Marilyn’s Dark Paradise mostly because Marilyn Monroe lived on Catalina Island in 1943.
Our team attended a special screening where our director, Remi Gangarossa, and our lead actress, Stephanie Stuart, held a panel afterward. It was an honor, and the crowd really responded. The Avalon Theater is rich with history and feels monumental. The craftsmanship that went into its restoration is incredible.
We were invited to a party with a host of other filmmakers. Way up into the hills we went, hanging onto the golf cart frame for dear life. The view was spectacular, complete with an infinity pool of course. I was speaking with the owner, a musician and filmmaker, when Chris Miller walked in with his group. Just a few weeks ago, I attended the panel with Chris and Phil Lord after a Project Hail Mary screening at the Directors Village, so it was a pleasant surprise to bump into him in Catalina. I had long been a fan of their witty material and was curious about their process. I always appreciate when people start out together and continue to make art for decades. Those are the types of working relationships that I admire, and what I strive for with our team.
Before the Palisades and Altadena fires, I had been speaking with Greig Fraser about doing an episode on the Getting Made podcast, where we would have discussed his collaboration with Phil and Chris. Greig got the call from Sam Mendes to take on the Beatles films, so his schedule quickly became stacked.
Before we left, I told Chris how much I appreciated his work. We gathered the team and headed to the Avalon Theater, where Remi and Stephanie had press responsibilities. When 5pm came around, all the boats in the harbor honked their horns to notify that the drinking hours had arrived, though I suspect that most of them did not adhere to those customary restrictions anyway.
To be able to share these experiences with our small, creative team has been deeply rewarding. Stephanie Stuart really gave her all to this role, and no matter how many times I watch the film in theaters, I am deeply moved by her commitment.
Jason Pelsey is such a musical force. He is the talent that kicks down doors.
Of course, none of this would have happened without Remi Gangarossa. All those years ago, in the wings of Loyola Marymount’s Foley Theatre, and now we are making films together. It is a privilege.
Thank you Catalina. We had a blast.
