Mexico Surf Film Festival celebrates the art of surf filmmaking — from ocean adventures to stories that capture the spirit of the waves and the coastal lifestyle.

Cinema and surfing share a soul: both tell stories of passion, risk, and a deep connection with nature. The Mexico Surf Film Festival was born from this fusion, as a space to connect with the essence of the waves and preserve the vibrant culture of surfing through the power of film.

More than an event, we are a movement—a current that seeks to unite our community. Through a carefully curated selection of short films, we invite you to dive into authentic stories that go beyond the perfect wave. These are tales of friendship, respect for the ocean, adventure, and a way of life that defines us.

Join us to celebrate, share, and ensure that the legacy of our culture continues to inspire future generations. Every wave is a story, and every film is the swell that brings us together.

Awards & Prizes

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM: Less than 15 minutes
$15,000 mxn

HECHO EN MÉXICO: For the best work presented by filmmakers registered in or born in México, Less tan 15 min
$20,000 mxn

TALENTO LOCAL: For the best work presented by filmmakers born in Guerrero, Less tan 15 min
$15,000 mxn

OCEAN'S MESSAGE: An award for the work that best communicates a message of conservation, environmental activism, or a spiritual connection to the sea, Less tan 15 min
$15,000 mxn

Rules & Terms

RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION

Eligibility: Films of any nationality, produced on or after January 1, 2023, are accepted.

Theme: The central theme must be surfing, beach culture, coastal exploration, or ocean conservation.

Language: Works in any language are accepted. However, those whose original language is not Spanish must have Spanish subtitles for exhibition.

Rights: The participant declares that they are the owner of all rights to the submitted work, including the script, music, archival images, and any other material used. The festival is not responsible for any copyright claims.

Submission Process: Submissions will only be accepted through the official online entry form and are free of charge. Submissions via other means will not be accepted.

Exhibition Format: For the selection phase, films must be sent as a private screening link (Vimeo or YouTube) with a password. Those selected will be contacted to request the high-quality projection file (MP4 - H.264).
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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  • max kitaev

    I only with I'd gone to the festival

    June 2026
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  • Caroline Mardok

    I’m truly grateful that Water Guardians was selected for the Mexico Surf Film Festival. Sharing a story born on New York’s shores with audiences in Mexico felt like a real gift.
    The care around the film’s presentation, the warm welcome, and the chance to experience multiple locations alongside a beautifully curated program made the experience exceptional. Thoughtfully organized, generous in spirit, and filled with a wonderful atmosphere—this festival is a true gem. Highly recommended.

    May 2026
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  • Shannon Reporting

    Next level event, one of the best managed and coordinated film festivals I’ve attended with a dedicated team of professionals. Awesome to see surfing content elevated in this way, screening at various venues along the coast of Zihuatanejo. Each venue was special and housed a full audience. Hope to return next year! 🫶🏻

    April 2026
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  • Alejandro AMEZCUA HERNANDEZ

    It was an amazing experience, our 1st time being part of a film festival and was the begining for us to create stories and share our way to see them.

    April 2026
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  • Howard Wimshurst

    From everything I have experienced, this is an AMAZING film festival. Lots of warm friendly film enthusiasts who sent me videos of them watching the film on the big screen. Perfect location for my surf animation! I wish I could have made it to the event in person, but I live too far away.

    April 2026
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