The scores of artists, directors, actors, mystics and millionaires who call Malibu their home never cease to cause fascination the world over. Two local filmmakers trying to cut through the Hollywood hype of Malibu have been chronicling the lives of 10 diverse locals by telling the real stories of some of the city’s residents. They call their project “Malibu Stories” and it was overwhelmingly received Thursday night at the film’s showing as the latest in the city’s Cultural Arts Commission’s Salon Series held at City Hall.
Calling the hour-long film their “gift to Malibu” and a “labor of love,” filmmakers Jay Armitage and Jules Williams have been working for the last 10 months on their own dime to film the exquisitely shot piece showcasing Malibu and the people who love it and are inspired by its beauty. The film opens with local Chumash elder Mati Waiya in full dress and face adornments performing a sacred ritual high atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Using drone technology, “Malibu Stories” uses many aerial shots that are able to showcase the grandeur of local nature normally unseen at ground level.
Along with Waiya, “Malibu Stories” features artists John Clarity, Leigh McCloskey and David Ashwell; musicians Dave Bassett and Richard Gibbs; surfer Mitch Taylor; equine advocate Tally Hutcherson; entrepreneur Khalil Rafati; and beach volleyball player Skylar Caputo. All 10 subjects tell their own Malibu story — about how they got here and how the area’s beauty inspires them every day.
As the film was about to debut, Jules Williams — originally from Wales — reflected, “For us, it’s a relief. Our passion can be shared with the community. That was our whole intention from the start.
“Jay and I come with an outside eye and say, ‘Wow, there’s so much more to Malibu than people have a perception of,’” Williams continued. “The outside world can be as close as LA, let alone the UK, that see Malibu in a certain light. From the moment we were drawn here, you’ll see how everybody was drawn here and how everyone champions conservation of nature, creativity, the artists and the entrepreneurs. To be able to give some of that back for everyone — Malibu is the main character of the story for us.”
Also a transplant from the UK, Armitage explained how the project came about. The two busy filmmakers, who both fell in love with Malibu, were curious about some of the characters that passed through the Trancas Starbucks where they were meeting one day.
Artist John Clarity was the first person filmed. Williams, calling Clarity “a strong, zen, beautiful soul,” stacks stones on the beach into sculptures, but that’s just one aspect of his story.
“People see that, but no one knows his story. Let’s start there,” Williams explained how the project started. From there the filmmakers said finding their other subjects was an organic process leading to other artists and subjects. “We trusted who we were led to.”
Speaking of his role in “Malibu Stories” Clarity said, “What began as a personal meditation for me has now become a beautiful collaboration with some very powerful creative people. I’m honored to be on this sacred ground to contribute my art to this community.”
Armitage said of debuting the film in Malibu, “It means quite a lot. The community here is extremely strong. It’s a beautiful place as well. It’s a passion project.”
Loud supportive applause greeted the filmmakers and some of the subjects who stayed after the screening for a question and answer period.
Waiya, part of the panel, said of the film, “It says to the community about the diversity of what it is to look at the place we call home in a more holistic way.”
“Malibu Stories” is available online at 27milefilms.com. Williams said he and Armitage hope to make another season of “Malibu Stories.”
“There’re so many stories to tell in Malibu,” Williams said.
Ray Hutcherson, whose ex-wife is featured in the film, summed up his reaction to seeing it: “There’s lots of movies, but there are few movies that touch your heart. This one does.”
