Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers is a feature documentary that journeys back to the 1970s and early 1980s to tell the origin story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band. Set against the creative backdrop of Key West, the film explores the musicians, friendships, touring years, and studio sessions that helped shape Buffett’s legendary sound. While I have seen a couple of other documentaries featuring Jimmy Buffett, it is great to see this one, which features the band members and their version of life then/now. I loved seeing the musicians in their youth and then seeing the interviews as they appear in their elder years. See for yourself. According to the press release, there is “rare, never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers and music legends.” Occupational Hazard is described as “capturing the camaraderie, chaos, and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook.” Never having been there myself, I enjoyed viewing the archival footage that shows the world what it was like to live so freely during those decades. The creativity flowed. Fans will enjoy learning about the people behind the music. I certainly did!

Directed by John H. Cunningham, the award-winning festival favorite features Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, songwriter Keith Sykes, The Coral Reefer Band, and is narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges. I am glad to hear the narration with Bridges’ distinctive voice.

Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026 and has since picked up accolades across the country on the festival circuit as recently as early October. The film will open theatrically for a full one-week run in New York (Village East) and a nationwide US and Canada TVOD release on major platforms (Apple TV, Amazon, and more) on Friday, October 30.

A list of cities and screenings: https://occupationalhazardfilm.com/theatrical-showings/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OccupationalHazardFilm

2026 | USA | 92 minutes

Source: Greene Street Entertainment