Even if you’re not a diehard surfer, the Save the Waves Film Festival has something for you. The global film tour and fundraiser hosted by the nonprofit Save The Waves Coalition is returning this year to theatres around the world, and true to the group’s mission, it features stunning surf and ocean films while supporting conservation efforts to protect surf ecosystems worldwide.
Fourteen locations have been confirmed so far, with more to come. The eight selected films cover a range of subjects, from glacier surfing in Greenland to a young Sri Lankan surfer to world-class waves amid one of the largest animal migrations on Earth.
“Our film festival is more than just surf films that transport you to dreamy point breaks and far-flung beaches,” STW CEO Nik Strong-Cvetich said in a news release. “(The festival) is also about inspiring, teaching and sharing how we protect our surf ecosystems and how real change is made when passionate people work together.”
In an effort to make these films accessible to everyone, Save The Waves is giving out the films in a box, quite literally. If you’re interested in hosting an event to showcase this work, they have a toolkit for local shops, businesses and organizations to run everything themselves. It includes the films, educational materials, merchandise and an online promo package. Click here to request a “film fest in a box.”
Related: How Surfers Saved South America’s Best Pointbreak (Video)
Below are short synopses of the eight films selected by the organizers.
- Baja Born and Raised: “Inspired by Chris Malloy ‘s ‘A Broke Down Melody” Baja excerpt, Axel Sandoval embodies the voice of the desert Baja local surfer, a story that resonates in a deep way to most surfers throughout the Pacífico Norte Area. Axel, son of many generations of fisherman and a second generation surfer born 4 years before the movie came out, represents the voice and personifies with skill the legacy of both his fisherman ancestry and the tuber riding skills of “the gringos”.
- Erwin: “Erwin is a short documentary about a 71-year-old surfer living in the Pacific Northwest. Despite injuries and age, Erwin’s love of the sport keeps him coming back to the board.”
- O Mentor no Mar: “O Mentor no Mar (The Mentor in the Sea) is a short documentary about surf culture shaping a new generation on Terceira Island. Through the voices of surf instructor Bruno Grilo, student Ana Xavier, and local André Avelar, the film explores the connection between mentorship and ocean conservation. It reflects on the loss of the São Mateus surf break and highlights the power of community, guidance, and youth in building a more sustainable, locally driven future.”
- One Shot: Glacier Surfing: “Surfer Eurico Romaguera and photographer Jorge Abian set out to capture a wave in Greenland, created by a calving glacier.”
- Riding the Sardine Run: Riding the Sardine Run tells the story of a group of surfers chasing waves along a remote stretch of South African coastline during the annual sardine run. Also known as The Greatest Shoal on Earth, the sardine run is the largest marine wildlife migration on the planet and sees billions of these tiny fish travelling up the east coast of South Africa as thousands of hungry sharks, dolphins, whales and seabirds give chase.”
- Timely Travel: “Embark on a journey south of the border as we explore the deep connection between surfing and environmental stewardship in our new film: ‘Timely Travel’ where we’re reminded of the way surf travel used to be – mindful and meaningful.”
- Visions: “Visions is a micro documentary that takes the viewer to Australia to meet a master craftsman named Dave Kelly who specializes in making waterproof cases for all types of cameras. It then transitions from Dave’s workshop, to the field in Hawaii to giving you a front row seat to the most dangerous wave in the world.”
- We Are Like Waves: “We Are Like Waves” is an intimate look into how surfing changes Sanu’s life, documenting the struggles and breakthroughs of becoming a female Sri Lankan surfer.”
See below for screening dates and locations near you. Check the event page here to learn more and get notified of new film festival venues.
Related: Save The Waves Sounds the Alarm on Uluwatu Construction Project
2025 Save the Waves Film Festival venues and dates
- Salt Lake City, UT, USA – June 26
- Laguna Beach, CA, USA – June 28
- Santa Cruz CA, USA – July 11
- Freshwater, NSW, AUS – July 23
- Gold Coast, QLD, AUS July 26
- North Devon, U.K. – August 15
- Ericeira, PT – September 13
- Townsville, QLD, AUS – September 19
- Ribeira Grande, São Miguel, Azores – September 20
- Toms River, NJ, USA – September 20
- Arcata, CA, USA – September 25
- Noosa Heads, QLD, AUS – Coming Soon
- Playa Hermosa, CR – Coming Soon
- Puerto Escondido, OAX, MX – Coming Soon