Cabali And The Tiki Mug Obsession

By the early 1990s, Tiki bars were nearly extinct, and ceramic drinking vessels known as Tiki mugs were vanishing into thrift stores and swap meets. But in Venice Beach, California, a small group of collectors, artists, and enthusiasts saw something more. Art. Cabali and the Tiki Mug Obsession follows two intertwined stories. It traces the history of Tiki culture through its iconic collectible Tiki mugs, exploring how boutique publishing and a fledgling internet gave rise to a passionate, global community. Second, it tells the story of Fini, an obsessive Tiki mug collector, whose dedication inspired Cabali, a modernist speakeasy Tiki bar in Oro Valley, AZ.

Directed by Josh Dragotta, Cabali And The Tiki Mug Obsession leans on a strong ensemble — Sven Kirsten, Josh 'Shag' Agle, Bill Assenmacher — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2025.