Surfalorus Film Festival celebrates 15 years with Wahine Classic partnership and full 2026 lineup

The 15th annual Surfalorus Film Festival returns to Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach August 7–9, bringing together three days of surf films, inspiring stories, and coastal community celebrations.

This year marks a major milestone as Surfalorus partners with the Wahine Classic, one of the East Coast's premier all-female surfing competitions. The collaboration celebrates the vibrant surf culture that has made Wrightsville Beach a destination for surfers and ocean lovers alike.

"Surfalorus has always been about celebrating the culture, creativity, and community that surround the ocean," said Zach Hanner, director of Surfalorus Film Festival. "We're stoked to partner with the Wahine Classic as we celebrate our 15th anniversary. Together, we're highlighting the incredible people, stories, and traditions that make North Carolina's surf community so special."

Founded in 2013, the Wahine Classic has grown into one of the only all-female surfing competitions on the East Coast, welcoming both amateur and professional surfers while fostering mentorship, community, and a shared love for the ocean.

Kick Off the Weekend Under the Stars

The festival begins Friday, August 7, with a free outdoor screening of the Wahine Shorts Block at 8 p.m. at Surf City Surf Shop in Wrightsville Beach. Timed to coincide with the opening of the Wahine Classic, the evening features seven short surf films celebrating women, adventure, and the ocean. Bring a lawn chair, gather your friends, and enjoy a night of films beneath the stars.

Saturday Spotlight: Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC

On Saturday, August 8, Surfalorus moves to Jengo's Playhouse for Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC at 8 p.m.

The documentary traces Jack Johnson's evolution from filming his friends surfing on Oahu's North Shore to becoming one of the world's most recognizable musicians. Before selling out arenas, Johnson was an accomplished surfer and filmmaker whose influential surf films Thicker Than Water and The September Sessions helped redefine modern surf culture. Featuring rare archival footage and new interviews, SURFILMUSIC explores how surfing, travel, friendship, and creativity shaped both his filmmaking and his music.

Sunday Celebrates Adventure and Friendship

The festival wraps up Sunday, August 9, with two feature films that capture the joy, humor, and lasting connections that surfing inspires.

Kingdom of the Evening, directed by Surfalorus alum Clint Davis, follows renowned surfer Kepa Acero as he returns to Morocco 15 years after a life-changing surf trip. Reuniting with longtime friend Yassine ("Snoopy Style") and filmmaker Ayoub Abouizza, the group searches for the empty lineups and sense of freedom they once found—discovering along the way that both Morocco and their own lives have changed in meaningful ways.

The evening also features Fun Island, a charming adventure from Wilmington filmmaker Jason Andre. When an international surf trip during the COVID era takes an unexpected detour, two travelers find themselves stranded in quarantine on the aptly named "Fun Island." Equal parts travel documentary and comedy, the film is a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are the ones you never planned.

Join the Celebration

Whether you're a lifelong surfer, an independent film fan, or simply looking for a great summer weekend by the coast, Surfalorus offers something for everyone.

Festival passes are just $15, providing access to all three days of programming, while individual film tickets are $10.

Tickets, festival passes, and the complete schedule are available now at surfalorus.eventive.org.

We'll see you at the beach!

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