As the world surfing tour descends on Coolangatta for the first time in two years, surf-inspired arts will also rise to the fore with a mix of short pop-up film installations, photography exhibitions, movie screenings, workshops, and photo meets.
The inaugural FLOTSAM surf film and photography festival washes over the Southern Gold Coast from 1st-8th May, offering holidaymakers and locals an exciting season of sea-inspired cinema amidst a whirlwind of short film premieres, workshops, in-depth discussions with film makers and photographers and photographic exhibitions, staged indoor and out.
With COVID-19 restrictions hampering trade and events in the Gold Coast’s southern border region over the past two years, FLOTSAM is a commitment to better days to come. The festival aims to help the southern Gold Coast bounce back while showcasing the area’s unique surf culture, world-class waves, and abundant creative talent.
Click here to book tickets to FLOTSAM and find out more about the festival.
Over thirty high calibre artists will have their work showcased during the festival, with highlights including Peter Joli Wilson, one of surf photography’s most recognised figures with a career spanning over 40 years, taking part in a group exhibition and headlining the festival’s photo workshops, photo walking tours and a full day photo masterclass.
Click here to book tickets to photography exhibitions & workshops
MORNING OF THE EARTH
Kicking off opening night of FLOTSAM Festival, we’re celebrating 50 years of the film that inspired a generation, meticulously remastered in 4K. Albert Falzon’s 1972 Classic, Morning Of The Earth (G) is internationally renowned as one of the greatest surf films of all time. Its psychedelic imagery and audio-visual tour de force captured the spirit of a generation and became an instant benchmark of avant-garde cinema. Now meticulously restored and beautifully remastered in 4K, the museum-grade restoration off the original 16mm AB rolls presents a pristine copy which, Albert says, “looks and sounds better than it ever has.” Experience the film under the stars atop Kirra Hill, overlooking the break that was immortalized with Michael Peterson’s opening rides in the film.
In addition to the remastered version of MOTE, the anniversary screenings will also feature the short film 50 Years Around the Sun, which showcases never-been-seen-outtakes from the MOTE “Lost Reels”.
