Hannah and Young Discuss ‘Coastal’ Documentary Ahead of Release

LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2025 — Daryl Hannah, an actress and director known for her environmental activism, recently opened up about her new documentary, ‘Coastal’, which features her husband, legendary musician Neil Young. The film, set to hit theaters on April 17, offers an intimate glimpse into Young’s life on the road during his first tour in four years.

“There are too many horrible things to even talk about,” says Hannah, reflecting on the current political climate under the second Trump administration. She cites her concerns over environmental issues exacerbated by natural disasters. Her family, too, has faced challenges, recently losing their home to fire. “To not take that seriously and start going in the other direction is just so shortsighted,” she remarks.

Hannah has a history of activism; she’s been arrested multiple times while protesting for environmental causes. She expresses disappointment in some former environmental advocates, such as Health and Human Services Secretary, who she once joined in fighting against the Keystone XL oil pipeline. “It’s shocking to a lot of people,” she adds.

In ‘Coastal’, Hannah filmed Young’s performances, backstage moments, and interactions with his crew and his son Ben, who has cerebral palsy. She used her iPhone to achieve a casual, relatable feel. “I didn’t want to make Neil feel self-conscious at all,” she explains about her decision to avoid a professional camera. “I wanted him to forget about it.”

As Hannah works on the film, she expresses her desire to focus on joy amid the chaos of current events. “It’s important to stay focused on the things that bring you joy,” she says. While she is currently promoting ‘Coastal’, she is also shopping for a feature script that she hopes to direct herself.

‘Coastal’ features footage from Young’s 2023 solo tour, capturing his first performances since the pandemic. It provides an unvarnished look at the solitary nature of touring. Hannah notes, “After a show, he almost can’t talk. He’s drained.” She aims to present a more nuanced understanding of a rock tour, countering public perceptions of glamorous after-parties.

The film also features cameos from music icons like Joni Mitchell, who attended one of Young’s shows. “I wanted to share how human it really is,” Hannah explains. “It’s not about the rager—they get on the bus and head to the next town.”

Throughout their discussion, Hannah acknowledges the pressures of documenting Young while remaining true to his artistry. “Neil doesn’t have a set list,” she notes. “He plays what he feels.” This unpredictability posed challenges in filming, as sometimes the cameras would miss out on the songs he chose not to play.

Despite these challenges, Hannah succeeded in capturing candid moments of Young, including scenes where he addresses the camera and his son, revealing depths of his character that may remain hidden in other documentaries.

As for the process of filming, Young had no editorial control over what would be included, reducing the concern about his feedback. However, Hannah felt a mix of anxiety and excitement showing him the final product, especially since it included personal moments with his son.

The film will be screened widely following its debut, and tickets are anticipated to be in high demand, especially among Young’s devoted fan base.

When asked about the significance of her work, Hannah reflects on the importance of human connection in times of uncertainty. “It’s essential to remember we don’t need to focus on all the negativity,” she says, highlighting the need for creativity and joy as a form of resistance against overwhelming circumstances.