Reel Culture, Real Community: Inside the Ojai Film Society's Summer Series

For nearly four decades, the Ojai Film Society has been bringing people together through the shared experience of watching great films outdoors, in community, and for free.In this episode of Ojai Talk of the Town, Bret sits down with Ojai Film Society board members David Lawrence Bell and Natalia Iyudin to discuss the organization's upcoming Summer Series at Libbey Bowl, which begins July 2 with Taika Waititi's beloved adventure-comedy Hunt for the Wilderpeople and concludes August 27 with Steven Spielberg's blockbuster classic Jurassic Park. Along the way, audiences can enjoy documentaries, mockumentaries, science fiction, and special appearances by filmmakers including Selena y Los Dinos director Isabel Castro and Cookie Queens director Alysa Nahmias. The conversation explores the art of film programming, the challenge of building community in the streaming age, memorable movie-going experiences, and why gathering under the stars at Libbey Bowl remains one of Ojai's most cherished summer traditions. The guests also offer insights into this year's lineup, from the emotional power of Arrival to the enduring appeal of Best in Show and Jurassic Park. We did not talk about Coralie Fargeat's Revenge, Colin Farrell's Ojai misadventures, or the history of the 60-degree screw.Whether you're a devoted cinephile or simply looking for a great summer evening in Ojai, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Valley's most successful cultural institutions.For more information, and to get on their mailing list, check out https://ojaifilmsociety.org/