For female surf filmmakers with a story to tell, a significant opportunity has emerged. The fourth edition of the Women Of The Sea Film Fund, presented by Finisterre and the London Surf / Film Festival, is now accepting submissions, offering a £10,000 grant (or equivalent in Euros, US dollars, or Canadian dollars) to the winning project.
The fund aims to address a historical imbalance in surf culture, where women’s stories have often been underrepresented. According to Bronwen Foster-Butler, CMO of Finisterre, the initiative is about “championing extraordinary filmmakers who celebrate the determination, joy and resilience of women in the water, and who challenge the traditional male-dominated surf culture.”
Submissions are open to emerging and established filmmakers residing in the UK, Ireland, USA, and Canada. The deadline for pitches is , coinciding with International Women’s Day. Filmmakers are invited to submit proposals for short films, between 10 and 15 minutes in length, that explore any aspect of surfing or surf culture through a female lens.
The winning film will receive its world premiere at the London Surf / Film Festival . This platform provides not only financial support but also significant exposure for the filmmaker and their work.
The fund’s importance is underscored by a recent study cited by LS/FF Director Demi Taylor, which suggests that, at the current rate of progress, gender parity in key creative positions within filmmaking remains decades away. “Which is why a fund like this is so important in helping to change the narrative,” Taylor stated.
Previous recipients of the Women Of The Sea Film Fund have demonstrated the power of female-led storytelling in the surf world. Films like Leah Rustomjee’s Granny Grommets, Alice Ward’s Salt, and Karen Song’s 2025 winner, Surf, Eat, Repeat, have explored themes of community, identity, and resilience. These projects highlight the diverse experiences and perspectives of women within the surfing community.
Finisterre, a brand rooted in cold-water surfing, expressed particular interest in seeing stories from cooler climates and rugged coastlines. This suggests a desire to broaden the geographic scope of narratives within the fund and showcase the adaptability and spirit of female surfers in challenging environments.
The London Surf / Film Festival, founded in 2011 by Chris Nelson and Demi Taylor, has a history of showcasing innovative and thought-provoking surf films. Having premiered over 300 films across 14 editions, the festival provides a curated space for filmmakers to share their work and connect with a passionate audience.
The Women Of The Sea Film Fund represents a concerted effort to amplify women’s voices in a traditionally male-dominated sport. By providing financial resources and a platform for exposure, the fund aims to empower female filmmakers and foster a more inclusive and representative surf culture. Interested filmmakers can find more information and submit their pitches at londonsurffilmfestival.com.
