Last Friday night San Francisco’s surfer and environmentalist communities came together for a very special evening at the Victoria Theatre: the first annual Save The Waves Film Festival, merging film, art, music, surf and environment together into a seamless blend of stoked fun and heartfelt love for the oceans.

Featuring the San Francisco premiere of “Lost Prophets” and Captain Paul Watson presenting “The Cove”, as well as the Plastic Wave (barreled by plastic) and a cast of infamous ocean loving environmentalist surfers, as early as 6pm a line snaked around the block past the taquerias, homeless people and traffic on Mission Street. Area hipsters in skinny jeans and fixed-gear bikes were greeted by a completely sold-out Victoria Theatre, environmental activists drank organic cocktails and “Save The Waves” shined hard in bright marquee lights high above 16th Street. But even the hipsters couldn’t stay away. The 450+ people attending were extremely happy with smiles shining all around, and the organic beer, local wine and Hawaiian-made vodka didn’t hurt to make things even funner. Fresh art sparked from ocean activism and watery environmental issues was created exclusively for the evening by local San Francisco surfer-artist Travis Weller and his gorgeous prints sparkled on the theatre lobby walls.

Captain Paul Watson arrived with his Sea Shepherd crew in tow, all recently famous from their TV successes on Animal Planet’s “Whale Wars” and most recently on “South Park.” Captain Paul minced no words when presenting “The Cove” and its dolphin conservationist message to the rapt crowd: “what we are doing to our oceans is insane and will destroy civilization if we don’t change our ways. If you’re eating fish you are part of the problem.” Local character was also celebrated in “Devil’s Teeth” – an emotional & chilling short film by Roger Teich & Ron Elliot about diving with great white sharks at the Farallon Islands.

Surf rockers The Eldorados played two sets of surf-drenched hard rocking classics for the packed theatre and the roof was nearly blown off. Save The Waves ended the night with an amazing raffle of great prizes including a new surfboard, a wetsuit and more outdoorsy gear. A late-night Q&A with Paul Watson and Charles Hambleton, star of “The Cove”, sent everyone off with a healthy dose of introspection on the unhealthy reality of our oceans and marine life.

This was another amazing local San Francisco event produced by Save The Waves Coalition to benefit its environmental programs to protect surf spots globally. It looks like Save The Waves Film Festival is here to stay! Some guests comments:

"One of the best events in San Francisco this year that I've been to. No doubt." - Michelle M.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you for hosting such a fabulous film festival! Having Captain Paul Watson there in person made such an impact. The vibe of the evening was relaxed, fun, party with your friends, yet the message was a shot to the heart. I can't wait to get more involved and for future events. Kudos to all who made it happen." - Cassie M.

"Great film fest! Inspiring and enlightening. Thank you." - Samantha.