Block parties, flick fests and stories from the sea – Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival unveils its jam-packed program
The countdown is on for the fourth annual Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival, which officially kicks off on Thursday May 1, rolling out a two-week froth fest celebrating film, photography and surf culture, from Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads. Here’s everything you need to know …
Whether you’re a total surf novice and are just following for the bevvies, bites and bangers, or you’re a die-hard ocean dweller, Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival has something in its program for you. Kicking things off in spectacular style is a blowout Block Party on Thursday May 1 that spans some of Coolangatta’s favourite venues. Bar Evelyn sets the tone with swell-soaked vinyl spins and local brews, spirits and themed cocktails, while over at Rattlesnake, Lightwaves delivers a full-sensory fusion of surf cinema and live tunes. Coolangatta Sands Hotel is dishing up insights from salty storytellers as they share perspectives, swap yarns and spark conversations in the Media + Makers session.
From May 2–4, the Kirra Immerse Hub takes centre stage as Flotsam’s brand-new beachside launchpad at Roughton Park. This free weekend activation invites festival-goers to experience open-air surf cinema under the stars, hands-on creative workshops, art installations and live music. Saturday’s Flotsam Oceans event teams up with Surfrider Foundation for a day of environmental action and family-friendly activities, including a Found Objects photography competition and sunset screenings of ocean conservation films, including the 25th anniversary screening of seminal filmmaker Andrew Kidman’s surf film ‘Glass Love’. On Sunday, Next Wave shines a spotlight on emerging creatives — from filmmakers to musicians — celebrating the rising voices shaping the future of surf culture with free workshops, live music and more.
Among the festival’s program highlights is adventure photographer Tony Harrington’s book launch at The Pink Hotel on Friday May 9, accompanied by large-scale installations on the hotels’ fence line to bring the book’s imagery to life. Legendary board shaper, artist and photographer Richard Harvey will take audiences on a deep dive into 1970s Bali with his exhibition Spirit of Adventure – Indonesian Odyssey, which will display at Iron & Resin in Currumbin for the duration of the festival, while Mo’s Desert Clubhouse will host the Gold Coast premiere of Women and the Wind on Wednesday May 7, taking audiences on an unforgettable voyage across the North Atlantic aboard a 50-year-old wooden catamaran. Stoked! exhibition is a month-long exhibition at Dust Temple, featuring works by local photographers, filmmakers and the late Peter Ramsay’s ocean surf art.
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Flotsam Festival 2025 will also bring back some of its most celebrated events including (Surf) Girls on Film (May 8), The International Masters of Surf photography exhibition and, of course, the much-loved Homegrown, which will bring the showcase to a fitting finale at Burleigh headland on Sunday May 11.
Presented by not-for-profit Flotsam Arts Inc, the festival continues its mission to showcase independent artists and ocean-inspired storytellers — often in unconventional and unexpected ways. Now in its fourth year, Flotsam emerged as a recovery effort post-Covid -19 restrictions to support the Gold Coast community and has since grown into one of the city’s most immersive explorations of surf art and culture.
Take a peek at the entire line-up of events here.
Image credit: Tony Harringon