Its nearly time for one of our favourite events of the year, the London Surf Film Festival .. we all get to hoot and toot at the latest and greatest surf movies up there on the big screen just where they should be. Each and every year we are seeing a better representation of us lady folk; sliding, shooting, directing and generally being our fabulous selves on surf film celluloid. There’s a special lady at the heart of the LSFF making sure this happens so we got her on the blower for the full low down on this year’s features .. take it away Demi Taylor, Countess of Westering Handplanes and Head of Important Stuff at LSFF ..
“It’s great to see such strong representation from women at the London Surf / Film Festival this year – the line up of films we’re screening feels more like the line up at my home break – there’s balance to it. I’m stoked to be hosting the premiere of two groundbreaking documentaries not only made by women, but following the progress of two iconic female surfers.
“Stephanie In the Water” Directed by Ava Warbrick is an intimate fly on the wall documentary following the life of one of the most iconic surfers of our time, 5x World Champion Stephanie Gilmore in and out of the water. Steph Gilmore is one of my all time favourite surfers – her flow and style is second to none and she’s really elevated the level of women’s surfing across the board. I’m really delighted that Stephanie will be there in person with director Ava Warbrick at the very special Gala Premiere we’re hosting on 9 th October.
{Yes you read that right Sistas .. Steph Gilmore is in the house .. fresh from competing in France & Portugal .. get your tickets and come and get involved!}
“Into the Sea” Directed by Marion Poizeau follows Irish champion Easkey Britton as she travels to Iran. Taking to the water in a hijab, she becomes the first woman to surfer there and the film follows Easkey’s return where she introduces the women of Iran to waveriding. It’s truly inspiring to see surfing used as a vehicle of change, as something that can breach cultural borders. We’re hosting the world premiere of Easkey and Marion’s stunning documentary on Thursday 9 th October also.
Some other great films to check out that showcase strong women of the ocean include:
“What the Sea Gives Me”, European Premiere Saturday 11th October
“Out In the Line Up” UK Premiere Sunday 12th October
“Expencive Porno Movie” UK Premiere Sunday 12th October
For budding surf scribes we are hosting a writing workshop on Saturday afternoon with leading surf authors, journalists, editors and script writers including Bafta-nominated Lauren Davies.”
It all sounds pretty amazing doesn’t it! If you have been to the festival before take note that it has moved venue this year, East to the Genesis Cinema – a proper independent cinema, home to an incredible 500 seater big screen as well as more intimate spaces, it’s got a gorgeous gallery that the LSFF will be taking over for the duration as well as the lounge and bar of course!
Accompanied by exclusive talks from waveriding’s most inspiring heroes, gallery shows, music, artisans and more, this saline hit of inspiration is a must for anyone of a salty persuasion.
Tickets are available through The Genesis from £7.50 with a limited number of night passes available from £15 delivering more films for your buck as well as some exclusive goodies and, a little birdy tells us, a surf holiday giveaway! http://www.londonsurffilmfestival.com/
