This January will see a new celebration of surf cinema and culture hit Manly and Bondi.

The inaugural O’Neill Sydney Surf Film Festival will bring out the artistic side of the surfing industry this summer. Billed as a showcase of the best Australian and international surf films, the festival will include both documentaries and features, showcasing unique surfing experiences both in and out of the water.

The films were selected by a panel of surf industry personalities including Joel Coleman, Stuart Nettle and Paulwitzig, and are sure to prove an interesting niche for Australian film-goers.Out In The Line-Up, an Australian-made documentary about the taboo of homosexuality in surfing is just one indication of the developing culture organisers hope to showcase during the festival.

Prolific surfer-guy, member for Manly and NSW Premier Mike Baird even gave the festival a big ol’ thumbs up: “This festival will showcase the best thesurf film genre has to offer.”

The festival will also include parties, photographic exhibitions and live music events as part of the city-wide festival with details yet to be announced.

The Sydney Surf Film Festival will run from Wednesday January 21 – Sunday February 1 at Manly and Bondi beaches. Tickets and program are available through the festival’s official website.

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