Photo by Damien Poullenot//World Surf League
There are plenty of big waves on Earth, but few carry headlines like Nazaré. It’s gone from a relatively unknown, “sleepy” fishing village to the focal point of an HBO documentary and a years-long campaign to bring tourists to Portugal, all because the town is home to the biggest wave on the planet. Big wave surfing’s roots may not be planted here, but arguably its greatest accomplishments have been. It’s the only location on the current WSL Big Wave World Tour and it’s hard to keep track of how many times world records have been set and broken at Praia do Norte. So it’s only appropriate that Nazaré get its own surf film festival.
Earlier this year, organizers from the Nazaré Alternative Sports Club, which organizes surf competitions and trains athletes, announced the inaugural Nazaré Surf Film Festival will be held this December 28 at the Cine Teatro of Nazaré. And as you might expect for a surf film festival with the name Nazaré in it, the stories selected will focus on “waves of true consequence.”
“From big wave paddling, tow-in surfing, bodyboarding to foiling and other crafts, we’re looking for films that showcase the raw power and beauty of these waves,” the organizers wrote in a release.
The single-day event is set to screen five shorts (10 minutes and under) and two medium-length films (up to 30 minutes) along with workshops and talks with surfers and filmmakers in the community. When it’s all said and done, the festival will present awards for Best Short, Best Medium-Length Film, and a Spirit of Nazaré award.
“The festival goes beyond the waves,” the release continued. “We aim to create a platform that unites surf cinematography with local art, offering an immersion into the culture of Nazaré through inspiring talks, creative workshops, and art exhibitions that reflect the passion and spirit of our community.”
Editor’s Note: Films must be submitted by December 5, 2024.
