AFCI News Releases

Monterey County Film Commission to Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Monterey International Pop Festival featuring a Screening of “Monterey Pop” Movie plus Filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker
When the Monterey International Pop Festival came to the Monterey Fairgrounds for three days in 1967, it was the beginning of  “The Summer of Love.”  The event—which was attended by more than 200,000--propelled the careers of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, and groups like The Who, The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, The Mamas and the Papas, and many more. The music festival, itself, was the subject of an acclaimed documentary film, “Monterey Pop,” that captured the spirit and sounds of that era.

The Monterey County Film Commission plans a community-wide celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Monterey International Pop Festival.  Included will be a charity fundraiser featuring a screening of the 1969 documentary “Monterey Pop,” an interview discussion with filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker, and an art show and photo exhibit.  The photo exhibit will display pictures taken at the festival in 1967 by noted photographers Jim Marshall, Tom O’Neal, and many contributing locals who attended the original event at the Monterey Fairgrounds.

The Film Commission is planning an evening of special events on Saturday, June 16th at Monterey’s historic Golden State Theatre.  Mac McDonald, the Monterey Herald newspaper “Go!” entertainment editor, will be the master of ceremonies and will interview D.A. Pennebaker at 7 p.m. followed by a screening of the “Monterey Pop” film at 8 p.m. Tickets for the screening and lecture are $25, available at the Golden State Theatre box office at 417 Alvarado St., or can be ordered by phone, 831-372-3800.

A 40th Anniversary Monterey Pop VIP Reception will also be held June 16th at 6 p.m., prior to the screening and lecture.  VIP tickets are $50 ($40 for members of Reel Friends of the Film Commission) and include the celebrity reception, screening and lecture, plus front balcony seating.  The VIP tickets must be purchased through the Monterey County Film Commission office.  

For more information, contact the film commission at 831-646-0910 or email info@filmmonterey.org.  Check the www.FilmMonterey.org website for updated details on the events or see www.goldenstatetheatre.com.

Proceeds will benefit two non-profit organizations, the Monterey County Film Commission and the Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation, www.montereyinternationalpopfestival.com.  

The Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation is a non-profit charitable and educational foundation empowering music-related personal development, creativity, and mental and physical health.  In the spirit of the Monterey International Pop Festival which took place on June 16, 17 and 18 in 1967, and on behalf of the artists who took part, the Foundation awards grants to qualified organizations and individuals with identifiable needs in those areas.

The Monterey County Film Commission is celebrating its 20th anniversary year.  It was created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987, and works to foster development of the motion picture, television and related industries in the county, to stimulate economic development and create jobs.  It also provides educational programs related to the film industry. It is affiliated with the Association of Film Commissioners International and Film Liaisons in California Statewide.