There are few more thoughtful and creative filmmakers within the sphere of surfing culture right now than Seth Hughes. His short films are not just technically and cinematically beautiful – with artful waveriding and landscapes – they have a certain space and style that allow the tale he’s telling the parameters to breathe and develop. His latest film, Gwynnik, the third in collaboration with the internationally celebrated Penwith surfer, lifeguard and poet Mike Lay, is an evolution of thought again. While the series has been rooted in Celtic lands, Gwynnik is an appreciation of something greater, that the chase for surfing fulfilment may ultimately lead to the narrow roads and cliff paths of home.
Gwynnik has its World Premiere Saturday 8th November as part of the gala closing night of 14th London Surf / Film Festival – a three night celebration bringing to the UK the very best in surf, film, art, community and culture. Mike Lay with be there, talking story about the film and his fleet-footed navigation through surfing and beyond.
Grab your tickets, here!
Just before Seth headed north, bound for the frigid reaches of Norway, we spoke with him about the film and the journey both he and Mike have been on.
From Seth: “Gwynnik was filmed between Cornwall and Brittany over the last couple of years. It’s the third film Mike and I have made together, following Cynevin and Hireth. We never planned it as a trilogy, but each film seemed to grow naturally out of the last. The theme running through all of them is belonging.
“Recently, Mike’s life has taken a new shape. After years of travelling and competing as a professional surfer, the arrival of his two children has rooted him more deeply at home. This film sits within that transition.
“The name Gwynnik means “little fair one” in Cornish. It came to me quite unexpectedly. I was sat at my desk thinking it was time the film had a title. I’d already decided where the title wanted to sit in the film, and in an effort to act from the heart space rather than the mind I just allowed my fingers to write a word. I wrote “Gwinnick,” which felt almost cheesy but I thought the shape of the word looked right against the clip. A quick search led me to a Breton language website that said it meant “little fair one.” I sent it to a Cornish-speaking friend, who confirmed the translation was right but corrected the spelling: in Cornish, we’d spell it “Gwynnik.” So Gwynnik it became, a nod both to Mike’s two blond-haired children and to Gwynver, the beach Mike is made of.
Drop dead gorgeous in Cornwall. Photo: Luke Gartside.
“The surf in Cornwall and the UK can be incredible, but not always. It’s not consistently pumping. After a life of chasing world-class waves, returning home could easily feel like a downgrade if you wanted to look at it that way. Mike’s been learning to see through a different lens. To find beauty in surfing regardless of conditions. That might sound grand or romantic, but it’s a real practice, a muscle to build. That’s what this film documents: surfing good, sometimes average waves, and finding joy in that, alongside family life at home.
“After working together for so many years, there’s an ease between Mike and I now. That trust means things happen with next to no effort. Lately I’ve been more drawn to films that show rather than tell. We actually recorded a full interview and voiceover for Gwynnik, but despite Mike’s beautiful words, it seemed to take something away from the film.
“From a more technical side, I’m really pleased with one of the follow-cam shots where I’m in front of Mike rather than behind him. We’re both goofy footed so I have to ride switch and backwards so I can actually be facing him. I’m trying to stay on the wave, keep Mike framed, and still leave enough space for him to move. It’s awkward, but when it lines up, it feels magic.
“There’s one moment in the film that I love most, Mike’s daughter Mora is tapping on the caravan window, making soft little noises, and just as she quietens down, a carrion crow calls at the same pitch and rhythm, as if in reply. It’s tiny and I love it so much. I hope you enjoy the film. I hope it makes you want to go surfing.”
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14th Edition London Surf / Film Festival x Finisterre touches down 6-8 November 2025 at the iconic Riverside Studios. Bringing to the UK the very best films from across the globe Accompanied by Q+A’s and “Audiences With…” the most relevant and exciting surf creatives from around the globe, workshops, a live podcast recording, good times, community and more, you’re not going to want to miss this. Check out the full line up here.
