Surf creatives, filmers and photographers will all be celebrated as part of the fourth installment of the Flotsam Festival which kicks off on the Gold Coast tomorrow and runs for two weeks.
The celebration was born out of a desire to showcase the creative side of the surf industry which took a big hit during the Covid-19 pandemic as border controls and rules on how much time you could spend outside left photographers and filmmakers severely restricted.
This year’s festivals expands through Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach and Burleigh. delivering an immersive ride through cinema, photography, music and storytelling. Over the next 14 days the non-for-profit association will be hosting an eclectic mix of pop up short film installations, photography exhibitions, movie screenings, workshops and interactive discussions. Each of these offerings aim to shine a spotlight on surf culture and elevate the work of some of the most creative minds in our industry.
Amongst the films being showcased includes Noa Deane’s latest project ‘Horse’, a 30 minute action packed movie that features Noz on trips to Ireland and the Canaries. He also features in the Rage 5 film alongside a number of his close free surfing pals, which is also being shown during the festival.
The first offering of the festival kicks off tomorrow at 5pm with the Flotsam Block Party, which features podcast recordings, surf film showings, live music and DJ’s at five different Coolangatta hotspots – Coolangatta Sands Hotel, Wade’s World, Bar Evelyn, Rattlesnake and Coolangatta Beachhouse.
The Flotsam International Masters of Surf Exhibition returns again this year. The showcase has once again been curated by lensman Ted Grambeau and features a single image chosen by over 30 photographers including Andrew Shield, Christa Funk, Corey Wilson, Jason Childs, Todd Glaser and more. Every photo will go under the hammer and the proceeds will be donated to each photographer’s chosen beneficiary.
This Sunday the festival will host the opening of the Stoked exhibition which blends surf photography, film, and art to raise awareness about ocean conservation and protecting surfing ecosystems. The exhibition will be on display at the Dust Temple and the opening night includes live music from Keo Bartholomew, a panel discussion and raffle prizes.
A number of items will be up for auction, including a brand new House of Byrne channel bottom surfboard, with the proceeds going to the fundraiser for Jaggar Bartholomew who has been bedridden with a rare condition know as Nervus Intermedius Neuralgia.
The festival also coincides with next stop on the Tracks Party Tour as we hit the dancefloor on 9 May at the Coolangatta Hotel. Rum Jungle will headline the night and they’ll be supported by Letter to Lion, Headsend and Mid Drift. Purchase tickets here.
To learn more about the festival and what’s on offer in the coming weeks, click here.
