The magic of surf films never gets old. Neither does heading to the big screen and watching those movies play out in an atmosphere fitting to the medium.
Last year Bristol Surf Cinema was launched – and now its back and aiming to bring together the filmers, creators, surfers and community for a series of screenings in the near future.
The first screening attracted almost 250 people, bringing together experienced surfers, people who had recently discovered the sport, filmmakers and people with no connection to surfing beyond an interest in the ocean and the stories being told.
Bristol is a thriving surf community — and one that rallies around surf events in the city. Photo: Lou Mackey.
“Surf films are incredibly accessible now, which is brilliant, but there is something completely different about watching one with a room full of people sharing in the excitement of an awesome wave or an epic adventure,” said Theo Cockrean.
“You get the reaction of the audience, you talk about the film afterwards; it becomes an experience rather than just something you watch. I like watching surf clips on my socials as much as anyone else, but we shouldn’t lose out on connection as a result.”
That idea is particularly relevant to surfing because the culture surrounding the sport has always extended far beyond the act of riding waves.
It’s also gained backing from Passenger and Surfing England. “As the national governing body for surfing in England, we’re invested in the development of the sport at every level, and this includes the wider cultural conversation around what it means to be a surfer today,” said Francesca Hemery, Membership-Lead, Surfing England. “We’re very proud to be partnering with Bristol Surf Cinema, giving our members exclusive discounted access to BSC’s informed, thought-provoking and beautifully curated film screenings. The Surfing England office team will be attending as many screenings as we can.”
You can watch Emily Currie tap the top of the nose as part of the programming.
In October 2026, surfer Emily Currie’s Q&A event with Bristol Surf Cinema will be another opportunity for the community to gather. They’ll show the first episode of her online series This Is My Year, which aims to prompt discussion on what we all share about surfing, from professional level to beginners. Further screenings will continue the programme through the rest of 2026, including The Big Sea, before Endless Summer returns to the big IMAX screen in 2027.
Keep an eye on Bristol Surf Cinema’s page to get involved.
