The 15th annual Surfalorus Film Festival takes place August 7-9, 2026 in Wilmington, North Carolina. This three-day celebration showcases the year's best surf films and includes live music, food, drinks, and vendors. Surfalorus shares great surf movies from award winning veterans to first-time filmmakers in a supportive and laid-back atmosphere. This year's program returns to its roots with two full days of screenings at the Cucalorus Film Foundation's homegrown community cinema with indoor and outdoor screenings, great local food, and a showcase of vendors from the region.

Visiting filmmakers and VIP passholders can take advantage of a schedule of exclusive events. Filmmakers get free housing and travel funding.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Soundtrack
Best Cinematography
Emerging Filmmaker Award

Rules & Terms

Surfalorus accepts surf films and other ocean-themed works by filmmakers of all backgrounds. All films must be Wilmington, NC premieres to qualify. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact dan@cucalorus.org.

8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • ROMAIN Juchereau

    Great surf film festival, good crowd and atmosphere! Highly recommend it

    September 2025
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  • Karen Lawler

    Surfalorus is a small festival with a giant heart! Dan, Zach, and Alex have created a wonderful festival and local film community that truly supports filmmakers. I am incredibly grateful for their financial assistance and hospitality, which allowed me to see the other films, experience the festival, the Outer Banks, and their friendly, inclusive surfer hospitality that celebrates surf and film culture. Anyone with surfing in their film should definitely apply!

    September 2025
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  • Ben Judkins

    We had a blast at Surfalorus! Zach and team really took care of us. Awesome venue up on Jennette's Pier, and the local community really showed up for the films. And we had an epic time hanging out with the other surf filmmakers that attended. Will definitely be back in the future!

    December 2024
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  • Collins Reagan

    Surfalorus is a delightful, beachy, friendly, fun and yet professional small film festival. So glad our documentary for this year had a surf theme so we could be a part of this warm, playful, and unique festival. Five stars.

    September 2023
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  • Alexandre Ribas

    What a great fest. Happy to be part of it again.

    October 2022
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