FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Florida Surf Film Festival Announces 2025 Competition Winners

New Smyrna Beach, FL — November 17, 2025 — Florida Surf Film Festival (FSFF), presented by Monster Energy and Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation, in partnership with Daytona State College’s School of Digital Media Production, is proud to announce the award winners for the 2025 competition year, celebrating an exceptional slate of films that showcased the depth, diversity, and creative ambition of modern surf filmmaking. This year’s selections reflected a global spectrum of stories, from the merging of wildlife and surfing to high-adrenaline ocean adventures, all brought to life by outstanding cinematographers, directors, and production teams.

This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of filmmaker Paul Prewitt. When Kevin Miller attended a screening of Paul's Atlantic Crossing in high school in 1989, it left an impression that he and John continue to honor through our festival every year. Paul was instrumental in the life of Florida surf cinema.

Topping the feature categories, Le Jardin – The Secret Story of Safi, directed by Will Bendix of Now Now Media, earned Best Documentary – Feature, recognized for its powerful storytelling, historical footage, and recent action of one of the best rights in the world. Bendix and Now Now Media also took home multiple honors for Riding the Sardine Run, which won Best Surf Movie – Feature, Best Cinematography – Feature (Alan Van Gysen), and Best Soundtrack – Feature.

The audience awarded Viewers’ Choice – Feature to Last Known Coordinates, directed by Joe Piscatella and produced by Chris Bertish, Christopher Mason, and Bruce McDonald, acknowledging its incredible test of character and courage.  Through his storytelling from sea, Bertish’s observant, disciplined, and challenging journey from Africa to America documented a successful mission, measured by three standing ovations at our June event.

In the short film categories, First In, Last Out—directed by Keith Malloy and Andrew Schoneberger of Bimarian Films—earned Best Documentary – Short for its main character’s dedication to her art and her story of passionately pursuing a love of surf photography. Best Surf Movie – Short went to The Red Island, directed by John Aspuru, while Matty Hannon’s Haus Tumbuna received dual honors for Best Cinematography – Short and Best Soundtrack – Short, recognizing the beautiful, unique sea and landscapes of Papua New Guinea and the town’s craftmanship of different types of surfboards over time.

The short film audience award, Viewers’ Choice – Short, was claimed by Arctic Journal, directed by Paco Elissalde, applauded by festival-goers for its intimate atmosphere and striking natural beauty.

A lifetime achievement award for comedy was also earned by none other than Luke Cederman for his satirical short films on professional, free, and ridiculous surfing. Congratulations to him for carrying the comedy torch, making us laugh, and flying from New Zealand to share his work and create new work while here in Florida. Check out Raglan Surf Report on Instagram as he continues to produce the finest in surf comedy.

“As we celebrate these remarkable filmmakers, we’re reminded once again why surf cinema continues to evolve as both an art form and cause for bringing the community together to appreciate and talk with our inspiring, often comical, characters and filmmakers,” said FSFF’s Kevin Miller. “This year’s winners pushed boundaries, challenged expectations and tropes, and honored the spirit of surfing through stories and comedy that will stay with audiences long after the credits,” said FSFF’s John Brooks.

For more information about Florida Surf Film Festival, upcoming events, and past winners, please visit floridasurffilmfestival.com.

Media Contact:Florida Surf Film Festivalinfo@floridasurffilmfestival.com