As a child, film producer Coco Francini spent summers and weekends in Coronado, where her father lived. She remembers trying to sneak into the Hotel del Coronado’s pool, never imagining she would one day return to the historic hotel to receive an award for her work in Hollywood.
That moment came Wednesday, Nov. 4, when Francini joined musician Kenny Loggins, actress Nia Long, costume designer Amy Roth and casting director Victoria Thomas as honorees at the Coronado Island Film Festival’s Leonard Maltin Industry Tribute Awards Gala.
The ceremony marked the opening of the festival’s 11th year. Running through Sunday, Nov. 8, the event features more than 140 films, industry discussions and special screenings at venues throughout Coronado.
Francini received the Industry Impact Award for a producing career that includes “The Hateful Eight,” “Mrs. America,” and “Fingernails.” She has also served as a short-film juror for the festival since 2018.
During her address, she emphasized the importance of understanding the business behind filmmaking.
“I feel like there’s no shortage of talent,” Francini said. “What there’s a shortage of is kind of like understanding how to move within the industry and understanding how to navigate it.”
Long received the Leonard Maltin Award, recognizing an acting career that includes “Boyz n the Hood,” “Love Jones,” “Friday” and “The Best Man.”
She portrayed Katherine Jackson in the Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” a role she said required capturing the grace and pride Jackson maintained through her family’s ups and downs.
“I’m most proud of the longevity that I’ve been able to balance my life between career, motherhood, self-development,” Long said.
Long, whose mother is a painter and father a poet, also reflected on the significance of being recognized alongside other artists.
“It’s not just about me today. It’s about the collective work of all of us here, and it’s also just my commitment to keep going,” she said.
Loggins received the Legacy Award for songwriting in films and his documentary, “Kenny Loggins: Conviction of the Heart.”
His songs include “Danger Zone,” featured in the 1986 film “Top Gun,” as well as the title song of “Footloose” and “I’m Alright” from “Caddyshack.”
The documentary gave Loggins an opportunity to reflect on his decades in the music industry.
“Any time you look back, you rethink what you did,” he said. “Sometimes you regret it and sometimes you’re proud of it. I think that this is just a celebration for me of a long and fun career.”
At San Diego State football games, “Danger Zone” plays at Snapdragon Stadium as the team enters the fourth quarter.
“That’s how songs live on forever,” Loggins said of the tradition.
The festival’s opening-night film, “I Play Rocky,” tells the story of Sylvester Stallone’s determination to star in the movie he wrote. Its closing-night selection, “Paper Tiger,” is a crime thriller starring Miles Teller, Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.
Both films feature costume design by Roth, who received the Artistry in Film Award.
Roth said creating a character’s wardrobe begins with understanding the details of that person’s life.
“I think about how much money they make, where they grew up, what their job is,” she said. “A lot of times I ask an actor what music this character listens to.”
In “I Play Rocky,” Roth worked with actor Anthony Ippolito to recreate Stallone’s appearance while developing the character’s identity as an aspiring actor before his breakthrough.
Thomas received the festival’s inaugural Excellence in Casting Award. Her credits include “Hidden Figures,” “Django Unchained,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “Michael.”
Her interest in filmmaking grew while studying at UC San Diego under film critic and painter Manny Farber.
Thomas said casting requires finding actors who can hold an audience’s attention beyond simply delivering a convincing performance.
“A lot of people can just act something and do a scene well. But who really sort of makes something pop and holds your attention more than the 30 other people?” she said.
The recognition was unusual for Thomas, whose work happens behind the scenes.
“We’re not used to those [awards]. Casting directors, we’re used to the background,” Thomas said. “I’m trying to learn to accept the recognition.”
Beyond the gala, the festival’s programming also reaches into Coronado’s Hollywood history. A special tribute to silent-film comedian Harold Lloyd, who spent part of his childhood in San Diego, includes a restored screening of his 1925 film “The Freshman.”
Other selections include “Dream Touch Believe,” a documentary about blind Vietnam veteran and sculptor Michael Naranjo, and short-film programs highlighting emerging filmmakers. The festival will also award $20,000 in jury prizes.
Film historian Leonard Maltin, who hosts the annual gala, said the festival’s longevity reflects the relationship it has built with Coronado residents.
“We love Coronado, and the community supported this festival from day one,” Maltin said.
