Nags Head, North Carolina, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Surfalorus Surf Film Festival, celebrating surf culture through films, will be held at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head from September 15-17. This year’s festival features submissions from filmmakers across the globe, highlighting diverse narratives within the surfing community. Festival director Zach Hanner emphasizes local collaborations and aims to engage younger filmmakers in future editions, ensuring the event continues to grow and support surf culture.
Nags Head, North Carolina – The 14th annual Surfalorus Surf Film Festival is set to take place from September 15-17 at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The festival celebrates global surf culture while blending art, sport, and community, running concurrently with the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Championships.
Festival director Zach Hanner, who has a rich history with filmmaking and surfing, established himself in Wilmington in 1993 and is also known for developing the Cucalorus Film Festival. Surfalorus was originally held in Wilmington before moving to the Outer Banks, where it has now found a permanent home.
This year’s festival showcases submissions from filmmakers around the globe, representing countries such as Hawaii, Japan, Australia, and notable locations in the United States like California, New York, and Asheville. The selected films range from high-energy action sports flicks to poignant documentaries and cultural commentaries, catering to a diverse audience.
Among the notable past screenings was a documentary about legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku, created by Samoan filmmaker Isaac Halasima. This year’s program includes a film highlighting a Senegalese woman who empowers girls in her village to surf and a documentary that explores the rising popularity of motorized foil boarding.
A hallmark of Surfalorus is its emphasis on community collaboration. The festival partners with local businesses and organizations, including the North Carolina Oyster Trail and the Dare County Arts Council. These partnerships foster deeper relationships within the local community, enhancing the festival’s impact.
Hanner has expressed a strong commitment to building relationships with filmmakers and attendees over the years, aiming to deepen these connections even further. The festival also maintains strong ties to the North Carolina coast and is dedicated to supporting local surf and arts communities, which have greatly contributed to its success.
Looking toward the future, the festival organizers plan to expand screenings to nontraditional venues and encourage more submissions from younger creators interested in filmmaking. This approach aims to continually engage audiences in the cultural movement that focuses on surf culture and storytelling.
The Surfalorus Surf Film Festival not only highlights exceptional films but also serves as a platform for global surf culture, uniting communities through the love of surfing and storytelling.
FAQs
When will the Surfalorus Surf Film Festival take place?
The 14th annual Surfalorus Surf Film Festival will take place from September 15-17.
Where is the festival being held?
The festival will be held at Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, North Carolina.
What kind of films will be showcased at the festival?
The films showcased at the festival range from high-energy action flicks to poignant documentaries and cultural commentaries.
What is the festival’s mission?
The festival emphasizes community collaboration, works with local businesses, and aims to support the local surf and arts communities.
What are the future plans for the Surfalorus Film Festival?
Future plans involve expanding screenings to nontraditional venues and encouraging more submissions from young creators interested in filmmaking.
Key Features of the Surfalorus Surf Film Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | September 15-17 |
| Location | Jennette’s Pier, Nags Head, North Carolina |
| Festival Director | Zach Hanner |
| Global Participation | Filmmakers from Hawaii, Japan, Australia, California, New York, and Asheville |
| Film Genres | Action flicks, documentaries, cultural commentaries |
| Community Involvement | Collaboration with local businesses and organizations |
| Future Goals | Expand screenings and encourage young filmmakers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beachfront Home in Buxton Collapses into Atlantic Ocean
Nags Head Hosts 13th Surfalorus Film Festival Celebrating Surf Culture and Coastal Community
Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Surfalorus Surf Film Festival Returns
- Surfline: Outer Banks, North Carolina
- WTKR: Outer Banks Surf Shop Celebrates 50 Years
- The New York Times: Hurricane Erin Evacuations
- Fox Weather: Coastal Storm in North Carolina and Virginia
- Wikipedia: Surfing
- Google Search: Outer Banks North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Surf Film Festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Surfing
- Google News: North Carolina Surfing
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
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