UC Irvine Alum Joe Wein Brings Survival Story to Newport Beach Film Festival

76 Days Adrift directed by Joe Wein ’91 to screen at the 2024 Newport Beach Film Festival

UC Irvine alumnus Joe Wein ’91 (B.F.A. theatre, B.S. psychology), will showcase his latest documentary, 76 Days Adrift, at the 25th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival on October 20, 2024. The film, executive produced by Academy Award-winning director Ang Lee (Life of Pi), shares the true survival story of Steven Callahan. Stranded on a life raft for 76 days after his boat collided with a whale, Callahan's extraordinary endurance is captured in this cinematic exploration of human resilience and the connection between man and nature.

“I was surprised I connected to Steven’s story the way I did,” shared Wein. “Life is messy and we universally have to deal with problems, large and small. It was how Steven handled himself that grabbed me so strongly. That and all the puzzles. I love games, and how he dealt with life-threatening riddle after riddle was gripping."

Directed by Wein, the film details the life-or-death puzzles Callahan faced while alone in an inflatable raft 1,800 miles from land, managing to survive the most unthinkable of circumstances. From shark attacks to storms to basic needs like food and water, Callahan’s journey is one marked by primal resilience. The film later details the development of an ecology around Callahan’s raft, attracting birds, and fish, providing him sustenance to survive. 76 Days Adrift shows audiences how all facets of life are connected. 

“In terms of how I made the film, I had a very specific approach from the beginning and wanted it to be an experience,” shared Wein. “I didn’t want a bunch of interviews or analysis telling you what to think of the story, I want you to experience it and be left thinking about that. It is comforting to know we are not alone in dealing with profound problems. I’d like viewers to connect with that and find a sense of hope.” 

Wein is a celebrated screenwriter, director and producer, whose short comedy Goldfish, was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, Santa Barbara Film Festival, Palm Springs Film Festival and over 100 more. Wein’s extensive career includes the screenplay for Scorched, starring Woody Harrelson and John Cleese, as well as visual effects design work for David Fincher’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In addition to its Newport Beach screening, 76 Days Adrift will also be shown at several film festivals across the country that will be announced later this year.

For more information on the film, visit 76daysadrift.com. For tickets to the Newport Beach Film Festival, visit newportbeachfilmfest.com. Read more about Joe Wein’s work on his website at joewein.com.