The NOOSA International Surfilm Festival is a dedicated gathering for surfers and enthusiasts of surf culture and our precious oceans. Our aim is to celebrate and explore the rich surf culture that has been an integral part of the Noosa region for many years. Expect to be embraced!

Expect to see screenings of the best, current surf films on offer; inspiring shorts and feature length surf films from around the world. Expect live music. Expect thought provoking forums. Expect to meet your surf and film making heroes, be challenged and have your mind blown!

We bring together Australian and international surf film makers & artists to showcase their work, providing a platform for diverse influences on surf culture, from around the surfing world. Filmmakers, artists and influential figures from the surfing world will be present to offer valuable perspectives and personal anecdotes. Expect to be part of a truly international event!

In addition to celebrating surf culture and the arts, our festival is committed to raising awareness of environmental and social issues. Teaming up with the Noosa World Surfing Reserve and the Surfrider Foundation Australia, we are committed to providing our support to raising awareness of environmental and sustainable practices.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film - AU$1000,
Best Cinematography – AU$1000
Best Short Film - AU$500

Rules & Terms

A. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSIONS

We invite storytellers from across the globe to share their unique visions and distinctive voices with us.
Whether your creation is an evocative narrative film that weaves the tales of surf legends and sea lore, a gripping documentary that delves deep into the heart of surf culture, a whimsical animation that dances on the waves of imagination, or an avant-garde exploration that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, we are eager to set sail with you.
If your work embodies the essence and spirit of surfing, it has a home at our festival. This is your opportunity to unleash the full spectrum of your creativity, to let your narratives flow as freely as the tides. Let your stories be carried on the waves of Noosa's shores, where they will resonate with an audience that shares your passion and appreciation for the surf and the cinematic art it inspires.
Join us in this celebration of surf cinema, where your vision will become part of a larger tapestry of oceanic tales and cinematic wonders.

Submissions must be recent works, completed after July 1st, 2021, with short films not exceeding 30 minutes in length. Feature films are anything over.
Selected filmmakers are required to provide a high-resolution format of their film by June 1st, 2024, for official screening.

PREMIERE/DISTRIBUTION
The Noosa International Surfilm Festival is a celebration of surfing’s best new or recent releases and, dedicated to showcasing the best in surfing cinema, emphasises the preference of premiere status for selected films.
Upon notification of selection in early June 2024, filmmakers are required to ensure their works are not screened elsewhere in Australia until their festival debut, preserving the exclusivity and allure of premieres at our event.

B. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Judging and Awards: Films will be judged in various categories, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Cinematography, and the People’s Choice Award.

2. Copyright and Authorisation: The submitter affirms they possess the necessary rights and authorisations for the film, free from disputes or litigations concerning production, distribution, or originality.

3. Copyright Liability: The submitter assumes all copyright liabilities related to the film, including music, art, architecture, product placements, and other intellectual properties.

4. Liability: The festival is absolved from any damage to submitted materials during the festival's tenure.

5. Acceptance Criteria: Submitting your film does not guarantee acceptance into Noosa International Surfilm Festival. Those filmmakers whose productions have been selected for screening as part of the main festival programme will be informed during the week beginning June 10th, 2024. The Noosa International Surfilm Festival is not responsible or liable for losses or damages resulting from failure to screen entries accepted into the festival programme or from the failure of the Noosa International Surfilm Festival to accept a film.

6. Screening Rights: The submitter grants the festival permission to screen the film during the festival period.

7. Premiere Policy: A selected Premiere film must not be have been shown anywhere else in Australia prior to the Noosa International Surfilm Festival screening. By screening a film as a premiere it allows the Noosa International Surfilm Festival to gain as much publicity as possible for a work through media partners and mainstream press.

8. Promotional Use: The festival is granted permission to utilise film excerpts (up to 3 minutes) and promotional materials (stills, titles, copy) for festival promotion. Submitters are encouraged to provide digital press kits for enhanced promotion.

9. Media Partnership: Consent is given for the festival to share the film and promotional materials with media partners for festival promotion, with the option to specify otherwise.

10. Publicity Participation: Winners are expected to participate in publicity efforts, providing a comprehensive press kit to facilitate promotion. The press kit is to include a minimum of :
• 1 x synopsis, including featured surfers and contributors
• 2 x still images - minimum size 1920 x 1080
• 1 x poster / film artwork
• 1 x hi-res downloadable trailer

11. Language Requirements: Non-English films must include English subtitles or dubbing.

12. Complimentary Tickets: Filmmakers of selected films will receive two complimentary tickets for their screening night.