by Filmink Staff
The Byron Bay International Film Festival 2025 (October 17–26) is proud to announce the nominees for the BBFF Best Surf Film Award, recognising outstanding storytelling from the world of surfing.
Nominees:
• Beyond the Break – Lennox Head’s Joel Taylor rebuilds his life and career two decades after a wave left him paralysed, rising again to become a World Champion.
• We the Surfers – In post-war Liberia, a new generation finds unity, opportunity and empowerment through surfing.
• Teranga – Road to Dakar – A vibrant portrait of Senegal’s surf culture and the young surfers pushing for recognition on the world stage.
• Develop – Dutch surf photographer Ydwer van der Heide reconnects with the ocean and his art after paralysis.
• Flowing Wood – An Australian artist channels grief and creativity into surfboards and sculptures shaped from reclaimed timber.
Alongside these nominees, BBFF’s Surf & Action strand offers a thrilling range of features and shorts that explore resilience, adventure, and our connection to the sea. Feature documentaries include Champions of the Golden Valley, an extraordinary story of Afghan youth finding freedom on skis; Deeper, which follows Dr Richard “Harry” Harris on a record-breaking cave dive in New Zealand; and 500 Days in the Wild, Dianne Whelan’s 24,000km odyssey across Canada.
The shorts collection brings fresh perspectives and artistry to the screen. Highlights include Beehives & Bottom Turns, blending surfing and environmental stewardship; Charged Water – Flying on Infinite Swells, exploring eFoil innovation in Ballina; Huddy: Beyond the Board, capturing the drive of a ten-year-old skateboarder; Light in Dark Places, Salt, Spaghetti Week, and The Incredible Paulk.
Stone & Wood Session: Shaping Waves, Shaping Worlds
This special session pairs surf culture with sustainability, bringing together filmmakers, surfers, and activists to discuss the pressing environmental issues facing our oceans. Headlining the session is the world premiere of Matty Hannon’s Haus Tumbana, an inspiring story that underscores the power of surfing and storytelling to drive environmental awareness and change.
Together, these films embody the spirit of adventure and the transformative power of the ocean, reflecting this year’s BBFF theme: Love Film.
The BBFF Best Surf Film Award is proudly sponsored by Fliteboard.
Byron Bay International Film Festival 2025
October 17–26, 2025
Full program & tickets: www.bbff.com.au
