2010 Canadian Surf Film Festival
This was the official website for the Canadian Surf Film Festival.
Content is from the site's 2010 (the inaugural of the Canadian Surf Film Festival) -2011 archived pages and other outside resources.
As a Texas motorcycle accident lawyer and a lifelong surfing enthusiast, attending the inaugural Canadian Surf Film Festival in Halifax was an unforgettable experience that hit close to the heart. The festival’s spirit—raw, passionate, and community-driven—reminded me of why I first fell in love with surfing. There’s something about paddling into cold Atlantic waves, especially up in Nova Scotia, that strips life down to its essentials: presence, balance, and respect for nature’s power. It’s a contrast to my day-to-day in the courtroom, where I fight hard for injured motorcyclists whose lives have been upended by reckless drivers or defective roadways.
At the festival, I found myself surrounded by fellow wave-seekers, some of whom had surfed Lawrencetown Beach that same morning and still had salt on their brows. The screenings were electric—people cheering, laughing, connecting—especially during local standouts like Nico in Indo. But beneath the joy and celebration, I couldn’t help but reflect on the fragility of freedom—whether it’s the thrill of riding a wave or the independence my clients lose after a serious crash. Surfing brings peace; law brings justice. At their best, both are about protecting and reclaiming life. I left Halifax inspired not only by the films and the stories but also by the reminder that whether in a wetsuit or a suit and tie, we all show up for something bigger than ourselves. Eyal Mordi
CIRCA 2010
1st Annual Canadian Surf Film Festival Challenge
The Canadian Surf Film Festival (CSFF) is hosting the first Canadian surf film challenge. The deadline is September 3rd for submissions.
Join the celebration of surf culture by making your very own short surf film. It can be a documentary, experimental, animation, drama, or whatever you like. Shoot it on any format: from cell phone to IMAX. They will select a full program of the best films submitted for a world premiere and then present one short film per month over the following year on their website. Prizes to the audience favorite and jury favorite. Show your friends and family what your passion is all about!
Deadline: Completed films in by 5 p.m., Sept. 3.
Screening Date: Selected films will premiere Oct. 1.
Location: Park Lane on Spring Garden Road, Halifax
Guidelines and Regulations:
- a completed and signed application form for each entry – type or print legibly
- filmmaker must be a Canadian resident or landed immigrant
- no age limit but if you are under 18 years of age you will need a parent or guardian to also sign the application form and join the indemnification (be legally responsible)
- films must be 10 minutes or less running time (including all credits)
- entry fee is $10 per film submitted
- films must be suitable for screening to a PG audience
- include the title of the film, a two sentence synopsis, a production still and a two sentence bio of yourself
- entries must be submitted in a DVD format (Quicktime, mov or playable movie)
- films must not have been previously released (on Internet, TV, or at festivals)
- filmmakers agree to indemnify CSFF, its partners, sponsors, and affiliates harmless from and against any liability that may arise from presenting the film
- filmmakers must have proper releases of persons, places, music and products featured in the film
We are proud to announce that the very first Canadian Surf Film Festival will take place from September 30th through October 2nd, 2010 in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. Over the course of three days the Festival will include both new and classic feature length films as well as short films. In addition, the Festival will host a local short film competition.
Our mission? To bring world class surf films, by invitation only, to a hungry and burgeoning Canadian surf audience. Along with the film screenings we will host receptions, and discussion panels relevant to Canadian surfers, the Canadian surf industry and Canadian surf filmmakers. The Festival will also host an art show in conjunction with a local fine art gallery.
The Canadian Surf Film Festival is committed to providing a unique forum for local, national and international surf films and surf culture.
Nico In Indo - Canadian Surf Film Festival (2010)
The first Canadian Surf Film Festival hosted an abundance of great films local and International. This clip is a submission from Nova Scotia's Nico Manos, one of the leading surfers in Canada and the East Coast's only professional surfer.
The video was shot in Indonesia and edited in Halifax by Nico Manos and Julian Crick of Procreate.
About
The Canadian Surf Film Festival is a dream come true for a small group of lifelong Halifax surfers. Their wish? To watch new and old surf films on the silver screen with their friends. And to be able to celebrate surf culture – one unique to Canadian surfing.
And so the festival was born.
The Canadian Surf Film Festival is committed to providing a unique forum for local, national and international surf films and surf culture.
Make a Film
1st Annual Canadian Surf Film Festival Challenge
Join the celebration of surf culture by making your very own short surf film. It can be a documentary, experimental, animation, drama, or whatever you like. Shoot it on any format: from cell phone to IMAX. We will select a full program of the best films submitted for a world premiere and then present one short film per month over the following year on our web site. Prizes to the audience favourite and jury favourite. Show your friends and family what your passion is all about.
Submission Deadline: Films completed and in by 5pm, September 3, 2010
Screening Date: Selected films will premiere on September 30, 2010
Location: Empire Theaters Park Lane, Halifax, Nova Scotia as part of the 1st Annual Canadian Surf Film Festival (CSFF)
Submission details: please make cheques payable to Keith Maddison. You can mail in your submission and payment to:
CSFF PO Box 2665 Halifax, NS B3J-3P7
Guidelines and Regulations:
- a completed and signed application form for each entry – type or print legibly
- filmmaker must be a Canadian resident or landed immigrant
- no age limit but if you are under18 years of age you will need a parent or guardian to also sign the application form and join the indemnification (be legally responsible)
- films must be 10 minutes or less running time (including all credits)
- entry fee is $10 per film submitted
- films must be suitable for screening to a PG audience
- include the title of the film, a two sentence synopsis, a production still and a two sentence bio of yourself
- entries must be submitted in a DVD format (Quicktime, mov or playable movie)
- films must not have been previously released (on the internet, at festivals or on TV)
- filmmakers agree to indemnify CSFF, its partners, sponsors, and affiliates harmless from and against any liability that may arise from presenting the film
- filmmakers must have proper releases of persons, places, music and products featured in the film
FAQ
Q: What is the Canadian Surf Film Festival?
A: This is our first year. It will be a three day event celebrating surf culture, surf films and surf friends, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2010 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Q. WHEN and where is CSFF?
A. Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2010.
Empire 8 Park Lane. 5657 Spring Garden Rd Halifax, NS B3J 3R4
Screening times 7pm and 9pm.
Q: Can I submit a film to the festival?
A: This year we are programming six screenings, one of which is an open contest for short films under 10 min. so check out the contest rules if you want to make a film. Drop us a line with suggestions.
Q: How can I volunteer?
A: Volunteers are welcome. Volunteers are able to participate in all aspects of the film festival in accordance with their volunteer hours. For more info, contact volunteer@canadiansurffilmfestival.com
Q: How can I become a sponsor of the festival?
A: A number of generous sponsors make this festival possible. Visit oursponsor link for sponsor opportunities or email : sponsorship@canadiansurffilmfestival.com
Q: Who should the media contact?
A: For media information, press releases, contact: press@canadiansurffilmfestival.com
Q: How/Where can I buy tickets?
A: You can buy tickets and passes at the box office, local surf shops and online through ticketpro www.ticketpro.ca.
Q: Does CSFF screen animations?
A: Yes.
Q: Does CSFF screen documentaries?
A: Yes.
Q: Who is running the show?
A: A very small group of film and surf enthusiasts. Help us by volunteering. We are curating the screenings and will have an invited jury to award the prizes.
Q: Are there parties planned?
A: Yes, for the general public, there is a special Opening night reception, an art show and a closing party. There are also filmmaker sponsored receptions held throughout the festival, open to all-access passholders, sponsors and volunteers.
Q: Are awards given during the festival?
A: Three Awards will be given out.
- An Audience Choice Award is selected by attendee balloting for all movies.
- Best competition film, as selected by the jury.
- Volunteer Award: A volunteer in the community award will be given out once a year at CSFF.
Q: Will there be surf during the festival?
A: It is hurricane season and the warmest water of the year so we hope so but can’t guarantee it.
FILM CHALLENGE FAQ’s
Q: So I have to pay $10 for every film I submit?
A: Yes. Send cheque or money order made out to Keith Maddison c/o the Canadian Surf Film festival; PO Box 2665 Halifax, NS, B3J-3P7.
Q: What format do you accept?
A: 35mm, Beta SP, Blue Ray and DVD.
Q. When Does Registration Close?
A. Registrations for the 2010 competition closes at 5pm September 3, 2010.
Q: DO I need to submit anything else with my film?
A: Fill out the PDF application form and attach the required materials.
Q: I’m a student. I go to school in Nova Scotia. Can I submit?
A: Absolutely. Any Canadian can submit a film. For the purposes of the festival, we define “residency” as being born in, currently residing in, currently attending school or was attending but will return to school in the following September.
Q: I’m a high school student and I made a film. Can I submit?
A: Yes, but you need a parent or guardian to sign the form with you if you are under 18.
Q: I made a movie 5 years ago. Can I submit it?
A: Yes. The festival has no stipulations on when a film is made. We want world premieres.
Q: My film has nothing to do with “surfing” or the ocean? What are the chances of my film getting in?
A: Unlikely.
Q: Are there premiere status requirements?
A: Yes. Keep it off the web until after the festival.
Q. What Is the maximum length for a competition film?
A.10 min. including titles and credits. The festival has limited time slots and in order to accommodate programming and promote fair play, all submissions must adhere to this rule.
Q: I am having trouble getting my film onto DVD for preview. Can’t I just submit what I have?
A: The formats we request are standard and should be easily obtainable.
Q: Who can attend the screenings?
A: Anyone who has a ticket and as long as there is a seat available.
Q: Does CSFF place restrictions on swearing or sexual/violent content?
A: We will only screen films appropriate for a PG audience.
Q: Do I have to obtain copyright clearance for the music?
A: YES! The filmmaker must own all copyrights for, or have written permission to use, any music, performances or scripts. If you would like further advice on music, performance or script clearances consult us.
Q: Can I use any piece of music as long as I have permission?
A: You can use most pieces of music granted you have received the necessary permissions. Well known/published music can become very expensive to use. You will need to have cleared rights to use the piece of music in “all media” and in “all territories”. CSFF may broadcast entries from the festival on our web site so you need clearance. You must have cleared all music in order to participate in such activities. It is important to note that you are not just asking for a “festival clearance” of the music. Try to use local or original music in your film. It means that local musicians and composers can benefit from it, as well as every one else, and it is usually easier to organize.
Q: What will the production stills be used for?
A: The stills you provide will be used in publicity materials produced by CFSS and in our festival program.
Q: What ratio will my film be screened?
A: CFSS screens all films at 4:3 and 16:9 ratios.
Q: What if my film contains subtitles?
A: This is fine, but make sure it is big enough to read in a big theatre and on the web. White on black is best in terms of visibility.
Art, waves, beer & bands highlight Canadian Surf Film Festival
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 October, 2010 : - - The newest addition to Canada's burgeoning surf-culture arsenal came by way of the inaugural Canadian Surf Film Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from September 30 to October 2.
Bookended with art showings, live bands, fun waves, and free beer, the festival was a smashing success, attended by scores of surf enthusiasts from as far away as California. It was the Californians, in fact, who won Best Film--Stoked and Broke, a Cyrus Sutton/Ryan Burch collaboration about San Diego, wowed the crowd and judges alike.
But, naturally, the locals stole the show. Lawrencetown-based pro surfer Nico Manos and filmmaker Julian Crick won Best Canadian Short for Nico in Indo, a five-minute blast of Manos's exploits at Lakey Peak last year. "Julian and I are really stoked because there were some amazing films at the festival," Manos said. "I guess people liked the humor in ours. I can't wait for next year's festival; Julian is already working on one using 100 percent local footage."
"Our first film festival was a hit, for sure," Crick said. "It really got the whole community together." It was akin to the old-school surf movie experience, theater-only showings, with a hooting audience, drunk people, beer cans rolling down the aisles, salt-crusted attendees--there was actually surf all three days and people were surfing until dark, and then coming to the festival.
It was also a history lesson because several of the local films featured Nova Scotian surf pioneers. "All the old guys were there," Manos said. "It was a gathering of the tribe, to use the cliché. You'd see guys you hadn't seen in years, and they were all under the same roof." The Best International Short award went to Ireland's Mickey Smith for his Dark Side of the Lens, and a Special Mention was given to Sean Mullens for Birthright.
The cherry topper was a sold-out show at Halifax's Paragon Theater featuring Cole Harbour rocker Matt Mays, Maddison Avenue, and Andrew Hunter. The Canadian Surf Film Festival was made possible by Empire Theaters, Atlantic Film Festival, The Coast, AFCOOP, Surfing Association of Nova Scotia, Power Post, Quiksilver, If Only Surf Shop, McAuslan Brewery, Ticket Pro, Local Source Catering, Etc. Press, One Life Surf, and Edit Farm.
More Background on CanadianSurfFilmFestival.com
CanadianSurfFilmFestival.com was the official online home of the Canadian Surf Film Festival (CSFF), a unique event held annually in Halifax, Nova Scotia. From its inception in 2010, CSFF stood out as Canada’s central hub for celebrating surf culture through film, art, and community engagement, providing an invaluable forum for surfers and film lovers from across the country and beyond. While surfing may not be a sport traditionally associated with Canada, especially given its cold Atlantic coastlines, the CSFF helped put Canadian surfing—and its spectacular Nova Scotian setting—on the cultural map.
Origins and Philosophy
The festival was the dream of a handful of lifelong Halifax surfers and cinephiles. Their shared vision: to watch both new and classic surf films with friends, peers, and the broader community in a vibrant, cinematic environment. The founders were motivated by a love of surf culture and a desire to showcase its local expression in Canada, as well as the broader international context. Rather than being sponsored or run by a major film institution, the festival was driven by volunteers and by the local surfing community—a testament to its grassroots spirit and ethos.
The philosophy behind CSFF was inclusivity, creativity, and celebration. It treated surfing as both a sport and a form of cultural storytelling, inviting filmmakers, surfers, artists, and the wider public to connect over shared passions. The festival’s emphasis on original, independent filmmaking further positioned it as a platform for new creative voices.
Location and Setting
The festival was based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. Halifax’s coastline, in particular the celebrated Lawrencetown Beach located just a short drive from downtown, has long been a mecca for Canadian surfers. Known for its consistent Atlantic swells and rugged, cold-water charm, Lawrencetown’s waves attract surfers year-round and provide a fitting backdrop for a surf film festival.
Screenings for the inaugural event were held at the Empire Theaters Park Lane, a centrally located cinema on Spring Garden Road in downtown Halifax, convenient for local residents and visitors alike. Halifax’s position on the Atlantic makes it uniquely suited to a surf culture event; the city is both cosmopolitan and tightly bound to its maritime heritage.
Event Structure and Programming
The first festival took place over three days, from September 30 to October 2, 2010. It featured a mix of new, invited feature-length films and a competitive short film program. Here are some key features of its programming:
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Invited Feature Films: The festival screened acclaimed surf documentaries and narrative films from international filmmakers, ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup.
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Short Film Competition: Open to Canadian residents and students, the competition invited submissions of surf-related films of up to 10 minutes. Formats ranged from cellphone video to professional IMAX production, emphasizing accessibility and creativity.
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Community Events: Alongside screenings, CSFF held receptions, discussion panels, an art show in partnership with a local gallery, and a closing party with live performances by local bands.
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Audience and Jury Awards: The festival presented awards for Audience Choice, Best Competition Film (jury’s pick), and a Volunteer Award recognizing community contribution.
Entry Guidelines and Filmmaker Support
Emphasizing grassroots participation, the festival maintained a straightforward and inclusive entry process. The submission guidelines required only a nominal entry fee and standard DVD or digital file formats, and films needed to be suitable for a PG audience. Filmmakers had to be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, but there were no age restrictions. Students, including high schoolers with parental consent, were encouraged to take part.
The festival valued world premieres—films shouldn’t have been released on the internet, TV, or other festivals prior to screening at CSFF—and stressed the importance of copyright compliance for music and content.
Menus, Offerings, and Experiences
While there wasn’t a literal food menu, per se, the “menu” of experiences included art shows, receptions with refreshments (including sponsorship from local breweries), surf shop pop-ups, and musical performances. Attendees could buy tickets or passes at the theatre box office, via local surf shops, or online through ticketing providers.
Mission and Cultural Impact
CSFF’s stated mission was “to bring world-class surf films to a hungry and burgeoning Canadian surf audience.” Its greater goal was to cultivate a unique Canadian surf culture, foster local creative talent, and build bridges between Canadian surfers and the international surf scene. The festival also served as a history lesson for attendees, incorporating films that reflected the evolution of surfing in Nova Scotia and paying homage to local pioneers.
It wasn’t merely about watching films but about building community—bridging generations of surfers, giving locals a chance to showcase their work on a national stage, and connecting with the broader global surfing community.
Audience and Community
CSFF’s audience was a blend of passionate local surfers, film buffs, international guests, and curious newcomers. Surfers from as far away as California attended, and films from Ireland, Australia, and the United States were showcased alongside homegrown Canadian productions.
A highlight from the inaugural festival was the screening of “Nico in Indo,” a short by Nova Scotia’s professional surfer Nico Manos and filmmaker Julian Crick. The film documented Manos’ adventures in Indonesia and was celebrated for its humor and authenticity—resonating especially with local attendees who saw themselves reflected onscreen.
Press, Media Coverage, and Recognition
The festival received warm press from both surf-industry and local media outlets. It was celebrated for fostering community spirit and for putting Canadian surf culture on display in all its “raw, passionate, and community-driven” glory. The event garnered attention from publications in Canada and beyond, with international appreciation for its unique character and enthusiastic audiences.
An article from October 2010 described the event as “a smashing success, attended by scores of surf enthusiasts from as far away as California," and celebrated the sold-out closing party at the Paragon Theater featuring local rock acts.
Awards and Accolades
In the first year, CSFF recognized a mix of international and local talents:
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Best Film: “Stoked and Broke,” a San Diego-based collaboration that won over the audience and judges with its originality and sense of adventure.
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Best Canadian Short: “Nico in Indo,” awarded to Nova Scotian pro-surfer Nico Manos and filmmaker Julian Crick.
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Best International Short: “Dark Side of the Lens” by Ireland’s Mickey Smith.
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Special Mention: “Birthright” by Sean Mullens.
The festival’s Audience Choice Award underscored community engagement, with attendees voting for their favorites. The Volunteer Award tradition further highlighted the local, participatory ethos.
Partnerships and Sponsors
The festival operated thanks to broad-based community support and sponsorship. Key partners included the Atlantic Film Festival, The Coast (a Halifax alternative newspaper), AFCOOP (Atlantic Filmmakers Cooperative), the Surfing Association of Nova Scotia, local surf shops, breweries, ticketing services, and media outlets. This web of support helped maintain the event’s independence and community focus.
Legacy and Influence
Beyond simply screening surf movies, CSFF helped nurture a generation of Canadian surfers and talents. It inspired aspiring filmmakers and artists to document the local surf scene with pride. By bringing together filmmakers, surfers, musicians, and artists, the festival underscored the interconnectedness of surfing, community, and the creative arts in Canada.
A festival attendee described the experience as "a gathering of the tribe," uniting old friends and introducing newcomers to a vibrant subculture. Its inclusivity—welcoming films shot on any device, encouraging student participation, and making tickets broadly available—helped to break down barriers and democratize creativity.
Cultural Significance
Surfing in Nova Scotia is often seen as an “outlier” activity—extreme, unconventional, and intrepid, given the often frigid waters of the Atlantic. CSFF celebrated this spirit, highlighting the resilience and passion of Canadian surfers. The event also challenged stereotypes about Canadian sporting culture, positioning Canadian surf as both authentic and distinctive.
On a broader scale, CSFF brought Nova Scotia’s unique maritime landscape, history, and surf community to national and international attention. Its impact went beyond the annual festival weekend, influencing local surf shops, filmmakers, and artists, and inspiring similar grassroots culture initiatives elsewhere.
Reflections
CanadianSurfFilmFestival.com and the event it represented created a rare, vital space where the art of surfing and the art of cinema met and flourished. By championing local stories while inviting the world to Halifax, CSFF fostered pride, participation, and a renewed sense of identity for the Canadian surf scene. Its influence endures both in the careers it launched and the memories it created.
While the original website is now archived, the legacy of the Canadian Surf Film Festival continues wherever wave-riders and filmmakers gather on Canada’s Atlantic coast—and in the hearts of all those who felt the power of surfing brought to life on the big screen.