The Award-winning documentary on Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band origin story, Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers, will open on Friday, October 30. It will run theatrically for a full one-week run in New York.
Get ready to learn the origins of the Coral Reefer Band in New York theaters next week. OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS is a feature documentary that journeys back to the 1970s and early 1980s. Specifically, it tells the origin story of Jimmy Buffett’s original Coral Reefer Band. Set against the creative backdrop of Key West, the film explores the musicians and friendships that helped shape Buffett’s legendary sound. Additionally, it explores the touring years and studio sessions that played a part.
Through rare, never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers, and music legends, OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD captures the camaraderie and chaos of an era that thrived on freedom. Furthermore, it reveals the magic of a time that lived without a rulebook.
A DEEPER LOOK AT THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE MUSIC
Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD offers fans a deeper look at the people behind the music and the era that helped define Jimmy Buffett’s lasting legacy. This film is a tribute to Buffett and the original Coral Reefers. It is also a tribute to the places and people who shaped them. In addition, it honors the volatile beauty of a musical moment that couldn’t last but changed everything, and their candid sentiment toward Buffett. It’s the origin story upon which the Parrot Head empire was built. Importantly, it is told by the people who helped lay the foundation.
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026 and has gone on to pick up accolades across the country on the festival circuit.
Directed by John H. Cunningham, award-winning festival favorite OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS features Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, and songwriter Keith Sykes. The Coral Reefer Band performs, and Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges narrates. John H. Cunningham and Ted E. Haynes produced the film.
WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE FILM
OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: The First Coral Reefers will open next week(Friday, October 30) theatrically for a full one-week run in New York (Village East) and a Nationwide US / Canada / UK / Ireland / Australia / New Zealand digital release on major platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more) on the same date.
Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers opens for a one-week engagement in New York and will be available on digital platforms on October 30th.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
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