The Noosa International Surfilm Festival, presented by Suter Smith Cleine and supported by Noosa Council and Screen Queensland, has unveiled its full 2025 program—an epic celebration of global surf storytelling.
Audiences can look forward to sixteen remarkable films, including Global, Australian, and Queensland premieres, and a Special Preview screening of an upcoming Australian premiere. Films hail from France, the USA, the UK, and Australia, with compelling stories unfolding in locations as diverse as Norway, Antarctica, Liberia, New Zealand, Ecuador, and beyond.
Program highlights include three powerhouse feature films anchoring each night of the main event:
– Ceibo (Opening Night) follows surfers and storytellers Pacha Light and Lucy Small on a powerful journey across Ecuador, learning from women leading the fight for climate, land, and ocean justice.
– The Big Sea (Friday Night) dives into surfing’s dirty secret—exposing the toxic truth behind neoprene wetsuits and their link to Cancer Alley in the U.S. South.
– We The Surfers (Saturday Night) is set in war-scarred Liberia, where young surfers in a small village reclaim their coastline and future through the power of community, resilience, and the ocean.
“There are so many phenomenal films in this year’s line-up—too many to mention,” festival founder and director Jesca Maas said.
“Each film offers something unique—insight, inspiration, or pure stoke—and we’re so proud to bring them to our home in Noosa.”
A selection of standout mid-length films (20–45 minutes) includes NO-WAY—a stunning Arctic journey in Norway; Creatures of Habit, filmed in Canada and Iceland with a phenomenal soundtrack; A Letter from Antarctica, set against frozen extremes; and Dreading South, a cold-water adventure that reflects the growing trend of chasing pristine waves in remote and rugged regions.
Each evening features a curated mix of short, mid-length, and feature films, with Q&A sessions throughout the night— hosted by surf writer and festival favourite Tim Baker, offering spontaneous chats with filmmakers or featured surf talent.
Live music kicks off the vibe each night from 6pm, creating a fun and relaxed space to connect with fellow film lovers, grab a drink from the cinema bar, and ease into the evening before the screenings begin at 6:30pm sharp
Running from Thursday, 19 June to Sunday, 22 June, the festival builds toward a dynamic final day celebration:
– Surf Culture & Filmmakers’ Forums – a laid-back yet lively gathering where behind-the-scenes stories, industry insights, and wild tales are shared.
– Festival Awards Ceremony – presented in the company of filmmakers, judges, and surf legends.
– All-ages After Party at Halse Lodge – featuring live music and relaxed vibes to wrap up the weekend.
New to this year’s festival is a special surf photography exhibition by Paul Smith, showcasing unique and previously unseen works by the acclaimed photographer. The exhibition will be open at the Afterparty only, adding a striking visual layer to the celebration of surf culture.
“Last year’s forums were full of candid moments and plenty of laughs,” Jesca added.
“It’s such a highlight for anyone curious about surf filmmaking and the creative community around it.”
Festival tickets are available now via noosaisff.com.au
