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Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

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OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS is a feature documentary that journeys back to the 1970s and early 1980s to tell the 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. 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, chaos, and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook. 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, the places and people that shaped them, 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 upon, by the people who helped lay the foundation.
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Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

Critics Reviews

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Maureen Lee Lenker FilmWeek (LAist) 20 hrs ago
If you're a fan, it's a fun watch -- a lot of the expected "drugs and rock 'n' roll" of the '70s music era, and you find yourself marveling at how any of these people are still alive. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Regina L @RT95561656 Oct 18, 2026 Fantastic for longtime fans, history buffs & anyone who appreciates storytelling at its finest. Walked away with new appreciation for the indelible sounds of an unforgettable, but often overlooked era. Bravo John Cunningham & team! See more Steve F @Vonfranzken Oct 18, 2026 Excellent film and the production was fabulous. A must see for any Jimmy Buffett fan. See more Cortney P @Cortney_pow Oct 17, 2026 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved this film! It is such a fun, authentic, and nostalgic look into the early days of Jimmy Buffett and the incredible musicians who helped create his iconic sound. The never-before-seen footage, personal stories, and behind-the-scenes moments make you feel like you were right there in the 70s when it all started. It’s funny, heartfelt, and a beautiful tribute to an unforgettable era of music. See more Patty D @PattyD10 Oct 16, 2026 Absolute must see film, the history, the intimate interviews, a deeper look behind the curtain of the performer and the band 'family', brings to light how he and they developed a sound that has influenced so many musicians and fans since the beginning See more Melissa T @RT87428219 Oct 16, 2026 I truly enjoyed this from start to finish! The story telling was wonderful and it was so interesting and entertaining. I highly recommend! See more Charlotte C @RT61347066 Oct 16, 2026 Storytelling at its finest - it captures the soul of the music, and the spirit of the place. Makes you want to throw on some Buffet tunes and take a trip to Key West. See more Read all reviews
Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

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Movie Info

Synopsis OCCUPATIONAL HAZARD: THE FIRST CORAL REEFERS is a feature documentary that journeys back to the 1970s and early 1980s to tell the 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. 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, chaos, and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook. 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, the places and people that shaped them, 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 upon, by the people who helped lay the foundation.
Director
John H Cunningham
Producer
John H Cunningham, Ted E. Haynes
Screenwriter
John H Cunningham
Distributor
Evan Saxon Productions
Production Co
Confluence Productions, Greene Street Entertainment
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 4, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 30, 2026
Runtime
1h 32m
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