The annual Waterfront Film Festival, a prestigious independent film event, kicks off Thursday in downtown Saugatuck with an opening-day block party, where a documentary will be shown outdoors at dusk.

The family-friendly “Surfing 50 States” is the real-life story of two Australians’ efforts to surf in every U.S. state. The film had its world premiere in October 2008 in Sydney, Australia.

The viewing is included in the $5 admission to the block party, to be held at the parking lot of the Singapore Yacht Club, 40 Butler St. (Three-day pass-holders get in for free). Live entertainment and food are also on tap for the night’s festivities.

In addition, more than 30 films will be screened during the remaining days of the festival, which are from Friday through Sunday, and tickets are required. For a complete listing of films, screening locations and ticket information, visit www.waterfrontfilm.org or call (269) 857-8351.

Seminars will also be held.

Among the stars expected to attend this year’s fest are Daryl Hannah and Western Michigan University graduate actor/comedian Skyler Stone (“Comedy Central”), both of whom are promoting new films.

Stone is pumping “Bed Ridden,” a 25-minute comedy about addiction based on a true story, which will be shown twice. Show times are 7 p.m. Saturday at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., and 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Hall, on Mason Street off Butler, as part of the Comedic Shorts Program.

“Fierce Light,” a documentary about spiritual activism in which Hannah, Bishop Desmond Tutu and others are interviewed, is one of the Gala Films highlighted at 7 p.m. Friday at Saugatuck Yacht Services. It repeats at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the same site.