Surf films on the big screen

Surf films are back on the Surf Coast next month with the running of the 8th annual Bells Beach Surf Film Festival.

Each year the festival brings the best surf films in the world to Torquay for screening at the world famous Australian National Surfing Museum.

The 2018 festival runs from Wednesday January 3-6, featuring amazing surf films from France, USA, New Zealand and Portugal.

The award-winning film Blue Road is about the life journey of three young women Annabel, Rachel and Alena who follow their passion for surfing.

Short film The Agave Gun follows master shaper Gary Linden as he shapes a big wave board destined to be ridden on one of the biggest waves in the world.

Welcome To Raglan is a fun look at life in one of New Zealand’s biggest surf towns, while Keith Molloy’s documentary Fish People, explores the simple joy of getting in the ocean, catching and riding waves.

Nathan Oldfield’s Church of the Open Sky featuring Dave Rastovich, Belinda Baggs and many other surfers, showcases the seeking of the special connection with waves and nature in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

Festival Director John Foss said the film festival offered a nice change of pace for people.

“In a world of downloads it can be really satisfying to go and see a surf film on a big screen with a bunch of friends.

“The Bells Beach Surf Film Festival brings some amazing surf films to Torquay each year. It is fantastic to see people enjoying great surfing on a big screen like in the old days, when surf films were a regular attraction along the Surf Coast.”

Opening Night on Wednesday January 3 will feature lives music, beers and two Australian Premieres.

Doors open at 7.40pm, with films starting at 8pm each night at the museum. There are door prizes from Patagonia and Reef to be won too.

For more information about this year’s festival, check out the festival Facebook page or go to bellsbeachsurffilmfestival.com.