Surf film mecca delights audiences in Torquay

MORE than 250 people enjoyed some of the world’s top surf films at a sell-out Bells Beach Surf Film Festival earlier this month.

The 15th anniversary of Australia’s longest running surf film extravaganza showcased a wide range of local and international productions.

 

More than 15 titles hit the screens including local filmmaker Katey Shearer’s newest flick Home, Jujo: The Musical, Changing Tempo, Le Jardin, My Malibu and Swell Chasing – Mullaghmore.

Moroccan surf film Le Jardin was awarded best film at the 2026 festival.

 

Filmed and produced by Alan Van Gysen the film tells the incredible story of Safi…the world’s best wave that was kept secret for decades.

It features former Jan Juc local Ross Clarke-Jones who redefined how the wave was surfed by taking off further up the point than anyone had done before.

 

Best Cinematography was awarded to Inner Mechanics – Russell Bierke, and Best Short Film went to Will Bendix for his film Surfing with a Penguin.

Finally, the festival committee was stoked to present Tim Bonython with the Surf Filmmakers Recognition Award for his contribution to Australian surf film culture.

Mr Bonython was excited to win the award and recorded a live zoom interview with Katey Shearer and Ted Clark which was screened on closing night to a packed audience.

 

Festival director John Foss said this year’s film festival would go down as one of the best they’d hosted.

“It was just amazing, and much of the success came down to the films and the filmmakers themselves making the effort to attend. To hear from them about their project made it truly special.

“Once again to sell out all three nights – the third or fourth time we’ve done so in the last five years was also a great feat.”

 

The Bells Beach Surf Film Festival will return to Torquay in January 2027.

“We’ve been around a long time and people know what to expect,” Mr Foss added.

“We are thrilled people keep coming back to catch some classic local and international films.”