SLO Film Festival’s Surf Nite to feature three exciting surfing short films
Surf Nite returns to the Fremont Theater to celebrate surfing on the big screen on Friday, April 25
– The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s (SLOIFF) signature one-of-a-kind surfing film event, Surf Nite in SLO, returns to the Fremont Theater to celebrate surfing on the big screen on Friday, April 25. Surf Nite is featuring three short films, Creatures of Habit, Making Waves: The Lakey Peterson Story, and Nø Way. Starting at 5 pm, guests are encouraged to enjoy Firestone 805 beer and a live set by popular local band Riff Tide in the Fremont Theater’s stunning art deco lobby. At 7 pm, introductory comments are followed by the screening of the three films.
Creatures of Habit takes viewers on a bold exploration of pushing boundaries and embracing the unknown, journeying through the unpredictable and challenging conditions of cold-water surfing. As surfers face harsh conditions, the discomfort becomes a powerful catalyst for personal transformation, both on the waves and in life, and a celebration of the strength and exhilarating rewards found by stepping outside comfort zones. The film’s director, writer, and producer is Nate Laverty.
Making Waves takes you inside the life of Lakey Peterson, a relentless competitor whose journey is filled with triumphs, setbacks, and unwavering drive. From her iconic wins to near-misses, this original documentary from 805 Beer explores Lakey’s world, starting from her Santa Barbara roots to her fierce battles on the World Surf League Championship Tour. The film invites viewers to experience the determination and passion that fuels her pursuit of greatness, both in and out of the water. Directed by Morgan Maassen.
Nø Way – On the northernmost coastline of continental Europe, the Barents Sea fluctuates between mystic calm, ferocious instability, and fleeting windows of harmony. Rumors are, in those windows lie the sublime dream of every surfer: perfection. An antithesis to The Endless Summer, NØ WAY follows a group as they chase that dream and ponder their motivations. Experience the highs and lows of surf exploration in the 21st century with this raw and off-the-cuff look at the Arctic. The director and writer is Harrison Roach.
Community of Skate is returning after a smashing debut in 2024. The event kicks off on Saturday, April 27th in the lobby of the Fremont Theater at 6:00 pm with live music and an exhibition of skateboard designs and live-screen printing by the San Luis Obispo High School Advanced Graphic Design class. The reception is followed by the screening of three films that celebrate the culture, community, and challenges of skateboarding – Skategoat, Against the Current, and Chico Brenes’ “7X7”. After the screening is a discussion with pro skaters Leandre Sanders and Chico Brenes, skate film director Aaron Meza, and Skategoat director, Van Alpert. From 4 to 5 pm there is a meet and greet with the skaters and directors at Ceremony Skate Shop.
Skategoat – Leandre Sanders was born into a world of gangs and crime, but skateboarding became his escape. Instead of following in his family’s footsteps, Leandre spent his days at the skate park with his younger brother, honing his skills from a young age. Despite facing immense hardship, his passion for skateboarding never wavered. Over the next decade, he evolved from an aspiring skater to an internationally respected athlete, perfecting his unique ‘no stance’ skate style. Set against the gritty backdrop of LA, Skategoat offers a raw, authentic look at the grit required to thrive in the skateboarding world while surviving as a disadvantaged youth—proving that anyone can chase their dreams, no matter the odds.
Against the Current delves into the artistic journey of legendary skateboarder and filmmaker Stacy Peralta. More than just a tribute to skateboarding, it celebrates creativity and commitment as Stacy reflects on his childhood inspirations, the challenges of developing his unique visual style, and his deep connection to his skateboard collection, which holds the memories of the past.
CHICO BRENES’ “7X7” is an exclusive part featuring Chico Brenes filmed entirely in the 7×7 square miles of San Francisco.
With a slate of over 100 films including narrative features, short films, documentary features, and doc shorts, the festival is known for its dedication to diversity and inclusivity, highlighting both emerging and established filmmakers from around the globe. The festival runs from Thursday, April 24 through Tuesday, April 29.
For a complete list and description of this year’s films, to purchase film festival passes, and for further information visit https://slofilmfest.org.
ABOUT SAN LUIS OBISPO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrating its 31st anniversary in 2025, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is a six-day annual event, showcasing creative, diverse, and impactful works from around the world in a wide variety of venues, from the city’s classic art deco Fremont Theater to the SLO Film Center at the vintage Palm Theatre. Named to MovieMaker Magazine’s “25 Coolest Film Festivals” list, and USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards, the 2025 festival runs from April 24-29. SLOIFF is an Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Qualifying Festival in the category of “Best Documentary Short”. Tickets and festival passes can be purchased here.
