SLO International Film Fest Makes ‘Cool’ List
The 2024 San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) was named to MovieMaker Magazine’s annual list of the “coolest” film festivals in the world.
Ian and Katie Bignell of Festival Formula fame, part of the magazine’s “panel of cool” explain, “This festival…has an enviable location in beautiful wine country, with the Nine Sisters peaks as its backdrop. The festival takes place at the historic Fremont Theatre and hosts packed gala screenings. In addition to impressive screenings, the festival immerses attendees in the themes of the films. The annual Surf Nite features VW campers and surf boards outside, Hawaiian shirts inside, and musicians playing the sounds of the California shores. The festival offers carefully curated films, a delightful festival team, engaging industry sessions, and late-night networking, adding a touch of Tinseltown glamour to laidback life in SLO.”
The 2025 edition of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival takes place from April 24-29. With a projected slate of over 125 narrative features, short films, documentary shorts and features, and music videos, the festival offers a broad spectrum of fare for serious cinephiles, devoted film buffs and casual movie fans.
“Having this recognition on a national stage just further confirms that we have something incredibly special and unique in San Luis Obispo,” said SLOIFF Executive Director Skye McLennan in a press release. “We can’t wait to continue to showcase amazing cinema and cool once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the 2025 festival”
Poly’s Recognized for Mental Health Programs
Cal Poly’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) received an award for the creation of a series of mental health webinars covering a wide range of topics designed to support college students’ needs.
Andrea Lawson, director of CAPS and a licensed clinical social worker, and Dr. Sarah Colwell, a licensed psychologist and outreach coordinator, were recognized by the Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD) at its 75th Annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct.15.Lawson and Colwell received the AUCCCD Media Award on behalf of CAPS for its development of the Mental Health Fridays webinar series. The Mental Health Fridays series covers topics like intuitive eating, body image and mourning loss, among others.
“Our team has a value of creating accessible, high-quality programs and services that meet the unique needs of Cal Poly students,” Lawson said. “Dr. Colwell has taken this goal and made it a reality through this webinar series that is interesting and available anytime for Mustangs.”
“Campus Health and Wellbeing is grateful to our CAPS team’s leadership, creativity and collaboration,” said Tina Hadaway-Mellis, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, Health and Wellbeing. “Ms. Lawson and Dr. Colwell have ensured that mental health resources are accessible and relevant in the digital space. I applaud their efforts in creating preventative, educational support that meets students where they are.”
The 50-minute webinars are accessible year-round via at chw.calpoly.edu/counseling/Mental-health-topics.
“The purpose of Mental Health Fridays and the Made for Mustangs resource page is to provide an accessible, digital service that removes barriers created by stigma and time constraints,” Colwell added. “This anonymous webinar series was created to fill a growing need for preventative, supportive psychoeducation specifically tailored to college students’ concerns.”
In announcing the award, AUCCCD noted that it serves as national recognition of Lawson’s leadership and contributions to the field of campus mental health. Lawson has served as the director of CAPS, a program within Cal Poly’s Campus Health and Wellbeing department, since 2020.
Morro Bay Chamber Ribbon Cutting Lor Coaching Services
The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Lor Coaching Services where owner Chneda Lor also showcases her gallery and studio alongside ceramicist Dana Randall. This unique space offers a blend of art and a place for personal development, creating a truly inspiring environment. Be sure to visit this exciting new business at 525 Harbor St. in Morro Bay.
Pictured Jon Elliott (foreground), Dave Sozinho (background), Dana Randall, Kayley Rolph, Chenda Lor, Long Nyugen, Vickie Prothro, Denise Lowe, Ray Riordan and Ryan Blevins.
Christmas at the Carissa
Now in its third year, Christmas at the Carissa takes visitors directly into the scenes of their favorite holiday movie classics: “Home Alone,” “Elf,” “The Grinch” and “Polar Express.” The historic downtown SLO Carissa Building will be reimagined into a Christmas wonderland that takes guests through a journey of the classics; with a Rod and Hammer’s beverage in hand.
Rod & Hammer tapped the creative talents of local wedding and event planner, Brooke Nicole Events, to curate a nostalgic ride through four of beloved holiday movie classics, while new Executive Chef Jeremy Fike will prepare whiskey centered libations such as the Gingerbread Martini, the Pomegranate Fizz and the Cindy Lu Who Punch as well as scrumptious nibbles like Snow Crab Mac & Cheese and Reindeer Meatballs.
“We’re a whiskey house that has now become the go-to Christmas destination for holiday magic!”, says Rod Cegelski, the Rod of Rod and Hammer’s California Whiskey. “Our goal every year is to bring something new and exciting to the experience, and who doesn’t love a good Christmas movie? Many people have cherished memories tied to Christmas Classics. This theme creates a cozy environment where guests can relive those moments and share them with family and friends. With so many photo opportunities and immersive experiences, this season offers a captivating holiday experience like no other.”
The extravagant installation includes five festive features:
– Ticket to Ride the Polar Express – Grab a hot cocoa and jump on board!
– Buddy’s Hall – Buddy and the Elves have created a special hall to welcome Santa and guests that will be raining down snowflakes and Christmas cheer.
– Whoville Christmas – Be a Who in Whoville and gather around the giant lit Christmas tree to help make the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes larger.
– Visit Kevin at his Home – Kevin won’t be home alone when you visit and see all the crazy pranks he has in store.
– Max’s Patio: Christmas for the Dogs – Furry friends are invited to join in the Christmas spirit on the heated creekside patio. Barcuterie Boards and spirits will be flowing.
Installation is set to begin the first week of November and doors open to the public November 8th.
Hours of operation are Thursday – Saturday 4-10 p.m. in November and Wednesday – Saturday 4-10 p.m. in December. Christmas parties can be booked for groups of 12 or more. Due to its popularity, Christmas at the Carissa will extend through January 2025. The Carrisa is currently booking private parties. Contact April@rodandhammer.com. Reservations will open to the public on November 1st. The public is encouraged to check the webpage at www.thecarrisa.com/Xmas for changes to hours of operation due to private parties.
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