The best new surf and skate films Northern Europe has to offer
- Text by Alex King
Looking out over the sludgy North Sea, Hamburg may never be able compete with the sun-bleached golden sand of the more fabled surf hot spots. However, once yearly it becomes a surfers’ mecca in its own right – with its own unique identity – as it plays host to the Nord \ Nordwest Surf Film Fest.
Returning for its fourth edition, the festival provides a destination for the crazy-brave Northern European surfer, presenting homegrown short films from the North Sea region alongside international surf and skate feature films.
This year it kicks off at Hamburger Botschaft in the lively St. Pauli district from March 17 to 19, with a programme that includes art and shaping exhibitions, photography shows, gigs and all-round good vibes.
We reached out to founder Jens Steffenhagen for his picks of the best events on offer.
Surf
Uncharted Waters
Wayne Lynch changed surfing in the ‘60s with his radical approach. As one of the founders of the short board era, Lynch became an Australian hero. At the peak of his success he had to hide from the police because he refused to serve as a soldier in Vietnam. This epic documentary features stylish footage of surfings most exciting decade and portrays an amazing individual. Find out more.
Freezing
Two brits embark on a crazy journey in search of a mystery wave in Iceland… Freezing is the most unique and idiosyncratic surf film: full of irony and British humour. Find out more.
Skate
Danger Dave
The trials and tribulations of professional skateboarder David Martelleur who is on his last legs, yet has no desire to end his career. For five years filmmaker Philippe Petit explored the fall of a man who is unable to maintain a steady path as his life becomes a downward spiral of parties and debauchery. Find out more.
Day At The Pool
Day At The Pool sheds new light on the true origins of modern skateboarding, featuring blazing interviews with Tony Alva, Stacy Peralta, Jay Adams and the rest of the Dogtown crew, who reveal that one anonymous kid from the swimming-pool suburbs of LA may have been singularly responsible for the skateboarding revolution that redefined adolescent life in America. Further probing interviews are heated and an intentionally hidden secret is uncovered. Perfectly situated between believable and fantastic, this film is sure to leave some viewers questioning what is true. Find out more.
Exhibitions
Bernhard Eblinghaus – Drifting
With his beach art sculptures, Bernhard Eblinghaus creates new life out of old stuff. During his travels between the beaches of Barbados, Morocco, Denmark or Hawaii he collects little broken pieces, driftwood or trash – and turns into something fresh and wonderful. The form stays the same but the meaning has changed. Find out more.
Angelo Schmitt – Shades Of Trash
Another collection of beach art sculptures. From plastic lids to ropes and hidden treasures Angelo Schmitt from the Island of Sylt recycles trash – into shades of trash. Find out more.
Gigs
Hanna Leess
The fabulous Hanna Leess from Venice, CA, lives in Berlin, where she has built a huge fan base in the neo folk/songwriting scene. Hanna and her band will play on Friday and Saturday at various times before the screenings. Find out more.
Heartbeast
The musical core of Heartbeast are singer NALA and the two producers and instrumentalists Janto Djassi and Helge Hasselberg. Nalas amazing voice takes the audience into a fantasy world. As a duo they will play a magic gig for the opening of the festival on Thursday 7.30pm before the German premiere of Fish. Find out more.
Find out more about Nord \ Nordwest Surf Film Fest, Hamburg, March 17 to 19.
Latest on Huck
This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.
Written by: Victor Swezey
Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again
Braver New World — In 2020, the photographer fled the Bobcat Fire in San Bernardino to his East Hollywood home, sparking the inspiration for an unsettling photo series. Now, while preparing for its exhibition, he has had to leave once again, returning to the mountains.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.
Written by: Ghais Guevara
Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
Art and action — The global project, which presents the work of over 60 Palestinian artists, will be on view outside the art institution in protest of an exhibition funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life
At the Edge of the World — For over four decades, the Icelandic photographer has been journeying to the tip of the earth and documenting its communities. A new exhibition dives into his archive.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai