The surf and environmental film festival that helps protect surf breaks is back
(May 14, 2026) Save The Waves Film Festival returns for another global tour, bringing together communities for a night of adventurous and inspiring films for a good cause.
What is the “Save The Waves Film Festival”?
Save The Waves Film Festival is the world’s only international surf and environmental film fest. Started in 2008, STWFF is a film tour and fundraiser hosted by nonprofit Save The Waves Coalition.
This year’s lineup of short films features surf breaks from California, Ghana, Portugal, the Azores, Canary Islands, Indonesia, Australia, Peru, and Mexico.
STWFF is also a showcase for surf ecosystem conservation, with new films about those who are the frontlines of coastal protection. Plus, tickets and proceeds benefit surf ecosystem projects worldwide through Save The Waves’ environmental programs.
Congratulations to the 2026 filmmakers, whose films were selected out of 120 submissions: Miguel Blanco, Carlos Rivero, Matt George, Leah Rustomjee, Jannik Carl Schlueter, Laurens Ismael Vendrig Castillo, Karen Song, Marc Antony Chavez, Octavio Aceves Coutiño and Josh Hamilton.
“Last year, STWFF screened in 12 countries with over 50 community-led events. We’re expecting additional stops and even more locations this year,” said Lauren Parrino, Director of Communications at Save The Waves.
The initial release of tour dates include events in the United States, particularly California, Australia, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Additional screenings are expected to be announced in Mexico, Costa Rica, Indonesia and more.
“A big part of STWFF now is our ‘Film Fest In A Box’ initiative where anyone, anywhere who wants to be part of this movement can organize their own film festival stop. It’s not too late to join the 2026 tour! If you want to contribute to coastal conservation or just want to host a fun night for your community, you can sign up today.”
For more information on the tour and the “Film Fest In A Box”, go to savethewaves.org/filmfest
This year’s Save The Waves Film Festival is supported by Finisterre, O’Neill, Rivian Foundation, Surfer Magazine, Fuel TV and Mountains Waves Marketing.
STWFF26 Poster Artwork: Chase Woods
Media Contact:
Lauren Parrino, Director of Communications | lauren@savethewaves.org
