The 14th annual Surfalorus Film Festival takes place September 15-17, 2025 on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This three-day celebration showcases the year's best surf films and takes place during the ESA Eastern Surfing Championship. Surfalorus shares great surf movies from award winning veterans to first-time filmmakers in a supportive and laid-back atmosphere. The festival's primary venue, Jennette's Pier, looks over one of the best breaks on the East Coast. Each evening begins with some tasty beverages, a few snacks, and some live music from notable East Coast bands. Surfalorus is a premier collaboration between Dare Arts, NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, NC Aquariums and Wilmington, NC-based Cucalorus Film Foundation.

Visiting filmmakers and VIP passholders can take advantage of a schedule of exclusive events like hang-gliding at Jockey's Ridge and an underwater camera workshop at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island. 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 OBX premieres to qualify. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact dan@cucalorus.org.

6 Reviews
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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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  • Laurel Senick

    As a filmmaker, I can say that Surfalorus values the heart and soul of filmmaking. By coordinating a filmmakers stay and financially assisting their travel Surfalorus shows they know the sacrifices filmmmakers make, especially independent ones, to create their art. Surfalorus provided an amazing venue at an optimum time so that I could share my surf film with the best possible audience. Thank you Surfalorus!

    September 2022
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  • Michel Garcia

    Un super festival! Une excellente communication vis à vis des filmmakers et un vrai plaisir de partager la passion du surf autour de films venant du monde entier. Je recommande!

    September 2020
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