Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival 2025

Lights, Camera, Paddle: The Santa Barbara Surf Film Festival Rolls In…

Santa Barbara’s cinematic tide rises again as the Surf Film Festival returns to the Lobero Theatre on September 26–27. This isn’t just a film fest—it’s a full-on celebration of surf culture, storytelling, and community, where vintage lenses meet modern legends.

Featured Films & Highlights:

Friday, Sept 26

• Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story – A hometown hero’s journey, directed by Hunter Martinez
• The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story – A tribute to the shaper who reshaped surf history
• Legendary Award Presentation – Lakey Peterson honors this year’s icon
• The Big White House – Late-night screening with filmmaker Mark Schimmel
• 🍸 After Party at 7 Bar—SBFF ticket unlocks drink specials

Saturday, Sept 27

• Surfer’s Code – Shaun Tomson’s tales of courage and community
• Shaping the Future – Law, surfing, and Ventura’s wave of change
• Eels: An Ode to Shepherd – A poetic tribute to Dana Schwa
• 🌟 VIP Ticket holders get exclusive access to the Sept 25 VIP Party

More Than Movies:

With partners like Surfrider Foundation, Heal the Ocean, and Surf Happens Foundation, this festival isn’t just about watching waves—it’s about protecting them. Expect art, activism, and salty storytelling in equal measure.

https://www.santabarbarasurffilmfestival.com

The following is a fictitious totally bs Surf Film review not for the comedically challenged or humor impaired.

Foam Party: The Rise and Wipeouts of Chad Broseph is a soul-arching, barrel-chasing, semi-coherent odyssey through the life of a guy who once got sponsored for wearing flip-flops in a hurricane. Shot entirely on expired Super 8 film and narrated by a seagull named Gary, this cinematic wax job follows Chad from his first foamie at age 32 to his spiritual awakening in a Baja taco stand. Featuring slow-mo cutbacks, questionable man buns, and a soundtrack composed entirely of didgeridoo remixes, it’s the kind of film that makes you say, “Wait, was that a plot?”

Critics are calling it “a tidal wave of vibes with no discernible direction.” Chad’s signature move—the reverse belly flop—gets its own montage, while cameos from washed-up pros and one guy who just lives in a van add depth, or at least salt. Whether you’re a kook, a shredder, or just here for the free beer, Foam Party promises to leave you stoked, confused, and slightly sunburned. Hang ten, bro—it’s cinema!.