Riding the waves of resilience and a deep connection to nature, the cinematic surf film showcase of the Byron Bay International Film Festival 2025 will be held on October 17–26, 2025 in Australia.  The BBFF proudly announces nominees for its Best Surf Film Award by spotlighting powerful and inspiring stories from the depths of our global surf culture. Click on links below to view film trailers

Best Surf Film Nominees:

  • Beyond the Break :  After a life-changing injury, Lennox Head's Joel Taylor redefines what it means to be a champion both in the surf and in life. 

  • We the Surfers : In post-war, poverty-stricken Liberia, the ocean becomes a place of healing, unity, and hope for a new generation of surfers.

  • Teranga - Road to Dakar : This film is a vibrant dive into Senegal’s surf scene, where young locals fight for global recognition and opportunity.

  • Develop : Dutch surf photographer Ydwer van der Heide finds new ways to connect with the ocean and his art after becoming paralyzed in an unfortunate accident.

  • Flowing Wood : In this film, an Australian artist crafts stunning surfboards and sculptures from reclaimed timber, turning his grief into lasting beauty.

Surf & Action Strand Highlights:

This year’s Surf & Action lineup showcases stories of resilience, adventure in the wild, and a deep connection to nature. Featured documentaries include:

  • Champions of the Golden Valley : Afghan teens chase freedom on skis.

  • Deeper : Join Dr Richard “Harry” Harris on a record-breaking cave dive into New Zealand’s depths.

  • 500 Days in the Wild : A breathtaking 24,000km trek across Canada with filmmaker Dianne Whelan who decides to un-plug in order to find her true north.

Must-See Shorts:

The newest wave of creativity hits the screen with these must-see short films:

  • Beehives & Bottom Turns : Celebrate the intersection where surfing meets sustainability.

  • Charged Water : Feel the thrill of soaring on swells with cutting-edge eFoils in Ballina.

  • Huddy-Beyond the Board : Meet a 10-year-old skater with serious drive.

  • Plus: Light in Dark Places, Salt, Spaghetti Week, and The Incredible Paulk.

Stone & Wood Session: Shaping Waves, Shaping Worlds

At this year's Byron Bay Film Festival, there is also an impactful opportunity to join surfers, filmmakers, and activists for a thought-provoking session on the environmental challenges facing our oceans. Headlining is the world premiere of Matty Hannon's (directort/producer of The Road to Patagonia) new Haus Tumbana — an epic journey showing how storytelling and surfing can inspire real change.

From personal triumphs to global challenges, the BBFF 2025 surf and action program dives deep into the power of the ocean and the celebrates the stories it helps shape.

For more from the Byron Bay Film Festival, click HERE.