Documentary Film Spotlight: Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers

Greene Street Entertainment, in association with Confluence Productions, presents Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers—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. (EG-PR, 2026)

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. It is the story upon which the “Parrot Head” empire was built, told directly by the people who laid the foundation.

The Release Schedule

• Key West Special Screenings: Opens September 5, 2026
• Theatrical Rollout: Select cities (including NYC and LA) to follow
• TVOD Release: Nationwide across the US and Canada in November 2026

Behind the Magic

Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Occupational Hazard captures the camaraderie, chaos, and magic of an era that thrived on freedom and lived without a rulebook. Through rare, never-before-seen archival footage and deeply personal interviews with founding members, tour managers, producers, and music legends, the film offers fans an intimate look at the volatile beauty of a musical moment that couldn’t last, but changed everything.

Fresh off its premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2026, this festival favorite has picked up accolades across the country and stands as a candid, heartfelt tribute to Buffett and his original crew.

Film Fast Facts

• Title: Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers
• Runtime: 92 minutes
• Country: USA | Year: 2026
• Director: John H. Cunningham
• Producers: John H. Cunningham, Ted E. Haynes
• Narrator: Jeff Bridges
• Featured Appearances: Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally, Keith Sykes, and members of The Coral Reefer Band

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About the Subjects & Filmmakers

Jimmy Buffett (1946–2023)

Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett regaled audiences for over five decades with songs about the faces and places he encountered along the road less traveled. Combining Hemingway’s eye for detail with Mark Twain’s mischievous humor, Buffett’s music celebrated the hustlers, beach bums, and pirates of the world through timeless themes of escapism, wanderlust, and unbridled curiosity.

John H. Cunningham (Director & Producer)

John H. Cunningham is a filmmaker and USA TODAY bestselling author of the 12-book Buck Reilly adventure series and The Last Raft. Before transitioning to fiction and film, Cunningham spent 35 years in commercial real estate, serving as Executive Vice President at Alexandria Real Estate Equities in NYC. Splitting his time between Virginia and Key West, he combines deep business acumen with a passion for compelling storytelling.

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