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The annual Surfalorus Film Festival, presented by NC Aquariums, returns to Nags Head for its 13th year, happening September 16 to 18, 2024. Surfalorus brings some of the most inspiring and thoughtful surf movies to the Outer Banks for a three-day celebration coinciding with the Eastern Surf Championships at Jennette’s Pier. A total of 13 films will screen at this year’s festival in addition to a special presentation and free oysters from the NC Oyster Trail.

“The Surfalorus Film Festival is so happy to be back with our ohana in Nags Head and the Outer Banks,” said Surfalorus director Zach Hanner. “At this point, we’ve gotten to know so many of the locals and participants in the ESA contest that we feel the event has really lived up to the notion of ‘the gathering of the tribe.’ Last year’s festival saw many attendees that had no connection with surfing but were still able to enjoy our screenings as cultural events. You really don’t need to surf or be a surfer to have fun at our festival. But if you have any connection to the culture, you’ll love what we’ve put together.”

The festival kicks off on Monday evening at 6 p.m. with live music from Hanner and the original southern fried Hawaiian band, CarolinAloha. Screenings begin with the immersive documentary from filmmaker Ben Judkins, The Cigarette Surfboard, a powerful example of how cigarette butts and surfing can create a platform to spark ocean mindfulness and stewardship. A special Q&A with Judkins follows the screening, plus a chance to get a glimpse of the renowned cigarette surfboards.

On Tuesday, September 17, screenings begin at 4:30 p.m. with the true story of friendship between Australian pro surfer Robbie Page and surfing legend Arnaud Mestelan in the doc feature, Walkabout: The Songlines of Surfing. Following the screening, attendees will have the chance to learn about the current state of coastal aquaculture from special guests from the NC Oyster Trail. Tyler Hofe with Kinnakeet Oyster Company will share about the state’s growing community of shellfish farmers. Festival-goers will also get to sample some of the best oysters in the area.

The Pintail shorts block closes out the evening at 7 p.m. with an intimate portrait of the Portuguese-born German Olympic surfing champion Camilla Kemp in the short film CAMILLA. And while all eyes were on Teahupo’o at the 2024 Summer Olympics, photographer Tim McKenna has been documenting the most awe-inspiring waves in the world for over 25 years. He gives us a fresh, behind-the-scenes-look at Tahitian paradise in the short film, The Children of Teahupo’o. 

Closing evening of the festival will feature the adventures of nomadic musician-athlete “Goth Babe” in Lola, screening at 4:30 p.m. during the Swallowtail shorts block, followed by the closing night awards ceremony. Screening at 7 p.m.,  Channel Man – Col’s Story takes a deep dive into the short and impactful life of underground surfing legend Colin Smith.

Tickets are on sale now at surfalorus.eventive.org for all screenings. An all-access pass can be purchased for $25. The 13th annual Surfalorus Film Festival is presented by North Carolina Aquariums, Jennette’s Pier and is a co-presentation of the Cucalorus Film Foundation and Dare Arts with support from the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. Contact dan@cucalorus.org for more information.

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