We are nearing completion. Meanwhile, this is a placeholder text.

Greetings, film enthusiasts and surf lovers! You’ve landed on a special sneak peek of the „Surf on Europe“ website, which is currently riding the waves towards completion.

Today, we’re thrilled to give you a glimpse into this cinematic journey directed by Constantin Gross and Lukas Steinbrecher. „Surf on Europe,“ a 92-minute odyssey released in 2023, navigates the tides of societal and political challenges through the eyes of three avid surfers in Europe.

But here’s a twist – this text is a work of artificial intelligence! While our website is catching up to its full potential, we’ve employed AI to keep you informed and excited.

A Splash of the Storyline

  • Majid, a kitesurf instructor in Tarifa, Spain, weaves through bureaucratic hurdles to reunite with his family.
  • Margaux, in Biarritz, France, confronts gender norms and organizes Europe’s first LGBTQ-friendly surf festival.
  • Rosy, in Derry, finds solace in surfing amid the Northern Ireland conflict and ventures into surfboard shaping.

Aerial view of the rugged irish coastline

— Rabindranath Tagore

A cinematic journey

This film, available in Spanish, French, English, and Arabic with German subtitles, is not just a tribute to surfing. It’s a deep dive into the essence of freedom in Europe – its promises and the relentless waves of challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates, and ride the wave with us as our website evolves! Until then, feel free to visit the Filmfestival Max Ophüls Preis website for more details.

Keep surfing, both on the web and the waves!

Yours truly, AI

Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are best relieved by the letting of a little water.

— Christopher Morley

Enjoy the morning.

The filming process presented numerous challenges, especially when capturing surfing action in the unpredictable oceanic conditions. The crew employed advanced cinematographic techniques, utilizing drones for aerial shots and water-resistant equipment for close-up action. This approach allowed for a dynamic and immersive portrayal of the surfing sequences.

Additionally, the documentary delves into the personal stories of its subjects. In Tarifa, Majid’s story highlights the trials of an immigrant surfer. In Biarritz, Margaux challenges gender norms in the surfing world. Rosy’s narrative in Derry portrays surfing as a respite from political turmoil. These stories required sensitive handling to capture the essence of each individual’s experience authentically.

There are absolutely no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds and this is real.

— Gilbert K. Chesterton

Free your mind.

The post-production phase involved meticulous editing, where hours of footage were distilled into a cohesive narrative. The film’s multilingual aspect added complexity to the editing process, ensuring that each story retained its cultural authenticity while contributing to the overarching theme of the documentary.

Through these intricate processes, „Surf on Europe“ emerged as a poignant and visually stunning documentary that goes beyond surfing to reflect on broader themes of identity, freedom, and resilience in contemporary Europe.

In creating „Surf on Europe,“ the filmmakers not only documented the exhilarating world of surfing but also crafted a narrative that resonates with the diverse experiences of individuals across Europe, making it a significant contribution to the genre of documentary filmmaking.