Documentary 'The Donn of Tiki' dives into tiki culture we know today

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Documentary 'The Donn of Tiki' dives into tiki culture we know today
A new film "The Donn of Tiki" dives into the life of Donn Beach, aka the Beachcomber. His life and career inspired the tiki bar culture we know today.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- If you've ever been to a tiki bar like San Francisco's Smuggler's Cove or the famed Tonga Room, you have one man to thank -- and he's probably not someone you've ever heard of or know about.

Two filmmakers are trying to change that.

Their new documentary "The Donn of Tiki" dives into the life of Donn Beach, aka the Beachcomber. His life and career inspired the tiki bar and tiki culture we know today.

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Alex Lamb and Max Well joined ABC7's "Midday Live" to discuss the film and screenings happening soon in the Bay Area.

You can watch the full interview in the video player above.

FIlmmakers Alex Lamb and Max Well joined ABC7's "Midday Live" to discuss "The Donn of Tiki" on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
FIlmmakers Alex Lamb and Max Well joined ABC7's "Midday Live" to discuss "The Donn of Tiki" on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
KGO-TV

Bay Area Screenings:

May 17: San Francisco
6:30 p.m.
Great Star Theater

Pre-party at Smuggler's Cove

May 18: San Jose
7 p.m.
3Below Theaters

Drinks at Dr. Funk from 12-6 p.m.

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