Press release from Bright Communications
The 2012 Yallingup Surfilm Festival was hailed by organisers and participants as a huge success.
More than 2500 people attended the three-day festival, which included day and night film screenings, discussion forums, art exhibitions, live local music and even a fancy dress surf competition for charity.
Awards for best feature and short film were presented on Sunday night to a packed house at Clancy’s. Finnsurf by director Aleksi Raik was awarded Best Feature film. The Surfer by Dominic Coleman was awarded best short film, and Best Cinematography was presented to two winners – El Mar, Mi Alma and Come Hell or High Water, who happen to have the same cinematographer, Dave Homcy.
The People’s Choice Award went to The Still Point by director Taki Bibelas, as voted for by those who attended the festival.
An array of painted surfboards by Australian artists was auctioned for SurfAid on Sunday night with more than $9000 being raised for the charity. Surfboards in the exhibition had been on display throughout Perth and the South West of Western Australia in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Other highlights of the Festival weekend included a Tarp Surfing Demonstration and the appearance of local surf hero Taj Burrow at Saturday’s Surf Culture Forum. International film directors, screening panel guests and artists joined the local Indian Ocean Longboard Club members donning fancy dress to surf the famous Yallingup Mainbreak to raise funds for Disabled Surfers South West.
Festival Director Jesca Maas was thrilled with the success of the event, and is already planning and looking forward to next year’s event.
“The festival again brought together some of the world’s most passionate and talented surf film makers, environmental activists, surfers, and artists to mix and mingle with the public and have the opportunity to celebrate the culture of surfing.
“This year’s films had a focus on environmental awareness and preservation, travel, adventure, escapism and the spirit shared by surfers and ocean-lovers from around the globe.
“Our venues played a huge part in the success of this year’s event and I sincerely thank Clancy’s, Samudra and all of the Festival’s sponsors who make it possible.
“We’re already talking to film directors about 2013 and it is looking very exciting!”