As the winter's early darkness descends, embrace the longer evenings and uncover cinematic treasures from the cozy confines of your warm living room!

To help you navigate the sea of options, we've curated a list of four short films and documentaries that promise to keep you entertained. From stirring narratives offering a glimpse into the cultural shift in surf culture to awe-inspiring documentaries that bring the wonders of the world right to your screen, our selection has it all.

Grab a blanket and some popcorn; it's time to dive into our top picks that will keep the winter blues at bay.

 

Good Hope starring Mikey February

2023 14min

A vignette of Mikey February, this documentary set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa, offers an intimate look at Mikey's life, from his early days in Durban, born just a year before apartheid ended, to now.

The film touches on his father's experiences surfing during apartheid, subtly weaving in themes of perseverance and change. Featuring captivating surf scenes showcasing his unique surfing style at the world-renowned Jeffreys Bay, "Good Hope" is a testament to surfing not just as a sport but as a journey of self-expression, discovery, and connection. 

Check out this 15 minute short, a Wasted Talent production here: Good Hope Starring Mikey February

 

Corners Of the Earth - Kamchatka

2023 1h 29min

Follow filmmakers Spencer Frost and Guy Williment and surfers Letty Mortensen and Fraser Dovell as they journey to Kamchatka in the far east of Russia in search of new waves along the frozen, unexplored coastline. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk, and home to more than 150 volcanoes (29 active), the Kamchatka Peninsula in Far Eastern Russia is as remote as it is unique.

After 2 years of planning the trip was almost over before it started. An hour before boarding their flight to Moscow, Russia invaded Ukraine. At a time when the world was seeing the worst of human nature, these guys flew behind the iron curtain and found, to their surprise the best of it. Mi-8 helicopters, skidoos, frozen campsites, and frozen bank accounts, this surf trip quickly became far more than anyone could imagine.

This film is a must-watch for anyone seeking inspiration to embrace the chill and tackle the waves, no matter how cold.

Catch their extraordinary journey here: The Corners of The Earth: Kamchatka

 

Girls Can't Surf

2020 1h 43min

In 'Girls Can't Surf,' we embark on a journey that spans from the vibrant 1980s, an era defined by fluorescent colors and dominant male egos, to the present day. This documentary follows generations of audacious female surfers, including legends like Jodie Cooper, Frieda Zamba, and Layne Beachley, who dared to challenge the status quo of professional surfing.

This documentary delves into their battle against entrenched sexism and homophobia in the sport, showcasing their tenacity and passion in the pursuit of equality, reflecting the spirit of resilience and the transformative power of unity and determination.

"Girls Can't Surf" is a narrative of breaking barriers and rewriting norms. Witness how these pioneering women created ripples of change in the surf world.

This feature-length documentary is available on Amazon Prime: Girls Can't Surf

 

The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez

2021 1h 43min

Directed by award-winning Stacy Peralta, "The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez" delves into the life of Hawaiian surfing legend and Zen Buddhist, Gerry Lopez. This Patagonia Film captures his transition from the aggressive world of surfing as Mr. Pipeline to a seeker of peace through yoga and Buddhism.

The film traverses Lopez's Hawaiian roots, his iconic surfing at the Banzai Pipeline, his adventures in Indonesia and later years of introspection and family life. It's a compelling narrative of a man balancing the extremes of surfing with the tranquility of Zen, shaping both his life and the surf world.

Discover Gerry Lopez's inspiring biopic here: The Yin and Yang of Gerry Lopez

Each documentary unfolds a unique story, and we hope they will inspire you, both in and out of the water.