‘Women of the Sea’ Film Fund Offers £10,000 for Female Surf Stories

The  winning entry will receive a £10,000 grant (or the equivalent rate €, $, or CA$) to bring their story to life and the finished film will have its world premiere on the big screen as part of the line up at London Surf / Film Festival 2026.

Open exclusively to emerging and established women filmmakers resident in UK, Ireland, USA & Canada, the Women Of The Sea Film Fund is about celebrating and elevating women on both sides of the lens. Until 8th March 2026, creators are invited to submit their pitch for a short film of 10-15 minutes in duration, exploring any aspect of surf culture that brings to light untold tales of women making waves.

“The Finisterre x LS/FF Women of the Sea Film Fund has championed extraordinary filmmakers who celebrate the determination, joy and resilience of women in the water, and who challenge the traditional male-dominated surf culture,” says Bronwen Foster-Butler, CMO of Finisterre. “We’re proud to partner with LS/FF for a fourth year, opening doors for female-led storytelling. Finisterre was born from cold-water surfing, so we’re especially eager to see stories from cooler climes or rugged coastlines.”

The previous funded projects Granny Grommets Dir. Leah Rustomjee, Salt Dir. Alice Ward and the 2025 winner Surf, Eat, Repeat Dir. Karen Song explore wide ranging themes around community and identity but all are united by a common thread – these stand out tales celebrate the strength and fortitude of women in the line up. 

“Since 2011 we’ve been privileged to premiere some 300 films, showcasing those creatives who bring fresh perspectives and new lines of storytelling to wavering and surf culture,” says LS/FF Director Demi Taylor. “We’re delighted to be working with our friends at Finisterre to bring this incredible opportunity for women in filmmaking to life and elevate these untold tales on a global platform. A recent study revealed that, at the current rate of progress, it will be decades before gender parity is reached across key creative positions in filmmaking, which is why a fund like this is so important in helping to change the narrative.”

Submissions are open until International Women’s Day -  8th March 2026.  HERE

ABOUT LONDON SURF / FILM FESTIVAL

London Surf / Film Festival was founded in 2011 by surfers, writers and award-winning filmmakers Chris Nelson and Demi Taylor. It began, where all the best ideas start life – around the kitchen table, in the deep mid-winter, after a few good waves. The aim was to bring together the UK surfing tribes to share the stoke, the storytelling and the cream of surf culture. After 14 editions, over 300 film premiers, with art shows, live music, talks and a whole heap of good times, this annual event has grown to become the must attend gathering for the global waveriding collective.

Website: londonsurffilmfestival.com