Injury accidents along the PCH since 2015
Fatal accidents on the PCH since 2015.
Cars visit Malibu on any given holiday weekend.
Collisions are seen on PCH, every year.
On April 3, 2010, thirteen-year-old Emily Rose Shane was ruthlessly murdered on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. A suicidal driver— manic and relentless—deliberately struck her as she approached a crosswalk. On her way to meet her father, Emily died instantly.Although she walked along a proper pathway and followed pedestrian protocol, Emily was added to a macabre list of fatalities. She lost her life on a picturesque road many consider one of the most beautiful in the world.
During a four-month time frame in 2010, eight people were killed along a five-mile stretch in the beach-side enclave. Rescue sirens commingle with crashing waves on a daily basis. They remind residents the idyllic drive through paradise is deadly.
21 Miles in Malibu is a documentary investigating why so many lives are lost along Malibu’s stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. It examines outdated road infrastructure, weak traffic enforcement, and the dangerous contradictions of a world-famous surfing and cycling destination built around a high-speed corridor.
Drunk driving, speeding, pedestrian risk, and the absence of protective embankments create a lethal environment. Insurance data suggests accidents are not a matter of if, but when.
The film centers the families and friends of victims, including Emily Shane, alongside firsthand accounts from sheriff’s deputies, tow truck drivers, cab drivers, and others who have witnessed the aftermath. It also includes perspectives from celebrities involved in PCH crashes.
More than a chronicle of loss, the documentary explores practical solutions. Engineers, traffic experts, and law enforcement outline concrete measures to improve safety, while a grassroots coalition formed after Emily Shane’s death pushes for lasting accountability.
Archival support includes Pepperdine University, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, The Malibu Times, and Malibu Surfside News.
"21 Miles in Malibu" is now available to watch. Watch now at
https://21milesinmalibu.vhx.tv/
21 Miles in Malibu is about a lot more than the Pacific Coast Highway. It highlights the juxtaposition between one of the most iconic places in the world, and one of the deadliest.
I was compelled to make 21 Miles in Malibu after hearing Michel Shane’s story about his daughter, Emily. We’ve all heard stories about road violence and tragedy, but it doesn’t feel real until it happens to you, or someone you know. I believe this film exemplifies the power of the documentary medium, and hopefully, its ability to cause change.
21 Miles in Malibu engages the audience with the stereotypical image of Malibu, and then surprises them with a dreadful underbelly few know about. My goal was to create something shocking and visceral, but also capture subtle emotion, particularly of those affected by tragedies that have happened on this stretch of highway.
It's not easy making a film about a road. But this is no ordinary road. If the film speaks to you, I encourage you to explore ways to take action to make this highway, and all others, a little safer.
I saw it twice. After the first time I had to walk away for a couple of days, it is heavy. You’ve made something so important and it needs to be seen as widely as possible. If somehow it can move the people who can actually do something to change this highway as much as it moved me, you will have succeeded.
It is sooooooo impactful Michel—beyond anything I’ve ever seen. Truly truly… Your film is beyond eye opening. I’m just so floored by the talent and production value. This film will touch the world Michel. Whether on the festival circuit, on the news… anyone who watches it wherever.
The history of PCH was fascinating!!!!!! I didn’t know about any of it! I loved the locals you spoke with. The organic feel of the surf shop owner just feet from PCH, the radio broadcaster with his insight & before and after photos (wowwww), the former mayor, the artist, the gentleman driving his retro car, the detective.
Definitely not a light happy film like you said, but it was so interesting and it’s so important to get this information out. The various perspectives/interviews in the film give a deep insight into the many lives that have been affected by PCH. Great work. And I am so sorry for your loss of Emily, this was a great film to honor her.
As a Southern California resident, I never knew the real dangers of the PCH. After seeing 21 Miles in Malibu, my eyes were opened and I know we need a change. This film has the potential to change this deadly road and save countless lives.
Judd and I watched the movie separately, we were both very moved, cried several times, learned so much. We talked about how you interviewed just the right people, spent the time on research, really did it right. Makes total sense it took a decade to make. We both admired the restraint the movie takes with things like use of dashcam, news footage, its overall editing strategy and very sold nonfiction storytelling. Efficient running time.
The film was heart-wrenching, moving, poweful, and insightful. It makes me angry that our bureaucratic process costs lives. It's senseless. I had a friend pass when I was 20, so it hits home. I commend you and your wife for turning the pain into power and gravitating toward the light. It's a beautiful, courageous choice that keeps building Emily's legacy. Beautiful tribute (I cried lots and learned some things about Malibu). Well done.
Help us petition in Malibu, Los Angeles, and the State of California to make a change to the deadly highway that continuously takes the lives of innocent children, students, and citizens. Read and sign the petition below to stand for these individuals and make a difference.