“Lights, Camera, Monterey!” New Art at the Airport exhibit showcases Monterey County’s film legacy

((Monterey, CA – March 11, 2025) The Monterey County Film Commission and the Monterey Regional Airport are unveiling the latest installment of the Art at the Airport exhibits — Lights, Camera, Monterey! — a visually compelling and year-long display celebrating Monterey County’s rich film history, and highlighting the iconic films and television productions that have showcased Monterey County’s dramatic landscapes on big and small screens.

The Lights, Camera, Monterey! exhibit is a collaborative effort between the Monterey Peninsula Airport and the Monterey County Film Commission. Chris Van Oosten, a Monterey online marketing and branding specialist, led the Airport Project Committee in the design, working with members who also serve on the film commission’s board of directors: Paula Joy MacNab, Karilyn Van Oosten, Garland Thompson, Jr., and Chris Carpenter. Carpenter, who is also a faculty member and lecturer with the Cinematic Arts and Technology Department at California State University, Monterey Bay, was instrumental in procuring cinematic artifacts from his and the university’s collections.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Monterey Regional Airport to share the magic of Monterey’s film legacy with travelers from around the world,” said Thompson, the president of the Monterey County Film Commission’s board of directors. “This exhibit offers visitors a ‘reel stroll’ through the region’s cinematic history, providing a glimpse into why so many filmmakers have chosen Monterey County as their backdrop.”

From classic Hollywood productions to modern streaming hits, Monterey County has long been a sought-after destination for filmmakers. The exhibit invites visitors to explore behind-the-scenes stories, film memorabilia, and historical highlights that showcase the county’s deep ties to the entertainment industry.

Travelers passing through the airport’s mezzanine can now take in the exhibit and experience first-hand the allure and range of Monterey County’s landscapes, which continue to attract filmmakers worldwide. The Monterey County Film Commission hopes this display not only entertains but also encourages productions to consider Monterey County locations for future film projects. There will be an opening reception for the exhibit at the airport on March 20, 2025. RSVP HERE.

For additional made-in-Monterey County movie details and Monterey County Film Commission’s role in boosting the local economy through on-location film production, visit https://filmmonterey.org.

About the Monterey County Film Commission: The Monterey County Film Commission was created by the Monterey County Board of Supervisors in 1987 to attract and assist film productions to the region. The nonprofit organization works to boost the local economy through the film industry, and since it was established more than $138 million has come into Monterey County communities from film and media productions.

About Monterey Regional Airport: Monterey Regional Airport connects travelers to and from California’s Central Coast offering convenient flights to major hubs. Committed to enhancing the passenger experience, the airport hosts the Art at the Airport program, celebrating the region’s unique cultural and artistic heritage.