The third edition of the Flotsam surf film and photography festival kicks off on the Gold Coast tomorrow.
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.
Over the next 12 days the non-for-profit association will be hosting an eclectic mix of pop up short film installations, photography exhibitions, movie screenings, workshops and photo meets. Each of these offerings will feature work from some of the biggest photographers in the industry.
One of the biggest event being held across the 12 days is the Flotsam International Masters of Surf Launch which is being dubbed as “arguably the largest exhibition of leading surf photographers ever assembled”. The showcase has been curated by lens man 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.
The exhibition will be held on 3 May and includes a cocktail lunch at the Kirra Beach House. Every photo will go under the hammer and the proceeds will be donated to each photographer’s chosen beneficiary.
On 5 May the “Surf Girls” exhibition will feature a number of women’s surfing films and shorts. It will be shown at the Tugun Village Community Centre. Ecuadorian born, Australian-raised surfer Pacha Light will be on hand, alongside filmmakers Lucy Small and Maddie Meddings to share behind-the-scenes stories from the films which aim to show the evolution of women’s surfing.
The third stop of the Tracks Party tour has also been included as part of the festival. On 10 May surf punk band Goons of Doom and genre-bending act DJ Eddy will take to the Coolangatta Hotel for a night of partying, dancing and all round carnage.
To learn more about the festival and purchase tickets for the various offerings, click here.
