Greetings From Summerland

The Marjorie Luke Theatre is proud to announce a special screening event to kick off our 2024 Green Series and commemorate Earth Day. Join us for a screening of the film Greetings from Summerland: Birthplace of Offshore Drilling, a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the environmental challenges facing Summerland and its leaking oil wellheads. If you reside in Santa Barbara County, this is a must see film!

Directed and produced by Harry Rabin and Joey Szalkiewicz of On the Wave Productions. Rabin, who is also the Program Director at Heal the Ocean (HTO) has first handedly seen the urgent environmental issues facing Summerland, CA. In 2017, HTO tackled the daunting task of capping the leaking oil wellhead, Becker. It is only one of over 200 offshore wellheads, many of which have been leaking since 1896.

We are thrilled to work with local filmmakers to bring you Greetings From Summerland followed by a panel including the local filmmaker & politicians. The film reviews the history of the Summerland wells and looks at ongoing impacts through the eyes of those closest to the wells, including Summerland artist Kerri Hedden and scientist and researcher Dr. Ira Leifer, who was a project leader with the Summerland Oil Mitigation Study. Greetings From Summerland will take you back in time, over 120 years, to present day and how this seemingly endless local issue reveals a global Methane issue fueling climate change and the message that all need to be remediated now.

A town hall discussion will follow immediately after the film with Filmmaker, and Heal the Ocean representative Harry Rabin, a panel of researchers, State Lands representative, Assemblyman Gregg Hart and representatives from both the offices of Salud Carbajal and Monique Limon. We will discuss what solutions both legislative and the field work and future plans are in the works for attacking the problem of leaking wellheads and the issues surrounding them.

This show will have a Sunkissed Pantry in the lobby, before and after the event, 3:30pm – 6:00pm. Additionally enjoy a Makers Mart with local environmentally friendly businesses showcasing their products! Film is 21 min. Panel estimated 1hr. Q&A for 20.

Ticket Sales link below!