After three years and nearly 2,300 miles, Taylor Steele’s Solento Surf Festival (SSF) is making its highly anticipated East Coast debut in Fort Lauderdale. The festival will screen at Savor Cinema on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, offering local surf enthusiasts a chance to enjoy some of the most exciting surf films of the year.
“We know there’s a strong surf community in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas, but it often gets overlooked in the surf industry,” Steele shared with Miami New Times. “We really wanted to bring the SSF somewhere that would add value.”
The festival is known for showcasing both big-budget surf productions and hidden gems. Alongside screenings, the event will feature intimate interviews and panels hosted by Steele, providing audiences with unique insights into the world of surf filmmaking.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for the Fort Lauderdale screenings:
Friday, November 22
North Stars (42 minutes) – Directed by Yentl Touboul, this film offers a portrait of Adrien Toyon, captured through the eyes of his friends and the board makers who influenced his journey into alternative surf designs. Filmed globally from 2022 to 2024, North Stars features surfers such as Mikey February, Kobe Hughes, and Lee-Ann Curren, and takes viewers on a journey from Reunion Island to Australia and Western Ireland.
Let Me Live – Directed by Keith Malloy, this film tells the story of Tom Lowe, a British big-wave surfer who earned his place in the sport through grit and perseverance. Lowe’s journey, filmed in Ireland and beyond, explores his pioneering spirit and the friends who helped him along the way.
Granny Grommets – Directed by Leah Rustomjee, this inspiring documentary follows a group of nearly 90 women who gather each week at Middleton Beach in Albany, Western Australia, to bodyboard. United by their love for the ocean, the Granny Grommets show that it’s never too late to embrace the surf community, providing healing and transformation in their later years.
Saturday, November 23
NO WAY – In NO WAY, filmmaker Harrison Roach captures the rugged beauty and elusive perfection of Norway’s Varanger Fjord. This raw and candid film follows a group of surfers as they explore the unpredictable waters of the Barents Sea, offering a contrast to the romanticized image of surfing in The Endless Summer.
HUCK – Ryan Huckabee presents a screening of his latest surf edit, followed by a panel conversation. HUCK showcases Huckabee’s latest exploration of the surfing world through his unique lens.
Beyond Normal – Becca Speak, a professional surfer known for her global surf expeditions, shares her personal story of overcoming multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in this powerful documentary. Beyond Normal chronicles her emotional and physical journey to reclaim her identity and continue surfing, despite the challenges posed by her injuries.
The SSF promises an unforgettable experience for fans of the surf world, providing an opportunity to celebrate surf culture, support the filmmakers, and enjoy thought-provoking stories both on and off the waves.
Tickets for the screenings are available now for November 22 and 23.
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