FREE SCREENING OF "21 MILES IN MALIBU" DOCUMENTARY AND COMMUNITY DISCUSSION ABOUT PCH SAFETY, JANUARY 18 AT SMC-MALIBU CAMPUS
NOTE: RSVPs are required. The event is at capacity, and a waitlist has been created. To be placed on the waitlist, register at www.MalibuCity.org/ArtTalks.
As part of the City's ongoing efforts to improve safety on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the City’s Arts Commission is partnering with Shane Gang Pictures and Santa Monica College (SMC) to host a free public screening of "21 Miles in Malibu” on January 18.
Thursday, January 18, 6:00 PM at the SMC Malibu campus, located at 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu (Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z2djrd3EGigKnNah8). RSVPs are required. The event is at capacity, and a waitlist has been created. To be placed on the waitlist, register at www.MalibuCity.org/ArtTalks.
“I encourage everyone in Malibu to join us for this film screening and community discussion about the PCH safety crisis that we have been experiencing and are fighting so hard to overcome,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “This is a safety issue that impacts the lives of every Malibu resident. I hope that this powerful film will help raise awareness about the urgency to improve safety on PCH, help us find more creative solutions, and energize our movement for change.”
The powerful documentary was produced by Malibu resident Michel Shane to raise awareness about the need to change the dangerous conditions on PCH after his 13-year-old daughter Emily was tragically killed by a motorist while walking along the highway in 2010.
Following the screening, there will be a community discussion on PCH safety with “21 Miles” producer Michel Shane, Malibu Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Commanding Officer Captain Jennifer Seetoo and City Manager Steve McClary, moderated by Malibu Arts Commission Chair Fireball Lawrence.
The film is a hybrid of personal stories of loss, the history of a beloved community, and a cautionary tale of government indifference and citizen activism. It was created by Shane Gang Pictures, the directors of "Enormous: The George Story" and the executive producer of "I, Robot," and "Catch Me If You Can.”
Improving safety on PCH has long been a priority for the community. PCH is a state highway under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, leaving the City with limited ability to make changes to the highway. Nonetheless, the City has taken numerous actions and has invested millions of dollars in recent years to improve PCH safety within its ability.
In recent years, conditions on PCH have grown increasingly hazardous with excessive speeding, reckless and distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Since 2010, 58 individuals have died on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. During the past 10 years, Malibu has had more than 4,000 traffic collisions, 1,600 of which involved injuries, and more than 100,000 traffic citations have been issued. On October 17, 2023, four Pepperdine students tragically lost their lives after being struck by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH.
To address the crisis, the City Council declared a Local Emergency on November 13, 2023. This proactive measure underscores the urgency and significance of addressing this threat to public safety in our community.
The event is part of Art Talks, a quarterly series presented by the Malibu Arts Commission in partnership with SMC-Malibu. Featured artists discuss their works, creative processes, and art experience during a question and answer session.
The City held a free public screening of the film and community discussion about PCH safety in May 2023 at Malibu Bluffs Park.
For more information about the film, visit www.21milesinmalibu.com and follow @21milesinmalibu on social media.
For more information about the City’s efforts to improve safety on PCH, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety.