Flotsam Festival 2024 has officially dropped in on the Gold Coast, marking 12 days of celebration of surf culture, art, and creativity.
The multi-trail surf film and photography celebration will feature dozens of dynamic events and exhibitions that stretch along the shores of the southern Gold Coast, indoor and outdoor spaces, venues and businesses from May 1 to May 12.
The 2024 edition will deliver several new initiatives and welcome works by a wave of international stars as events roll along the coastline through Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach, and Burleigh.
From new and iconic film screenings, unique exhibitions, photography showcases, live music and performances, to thought-provoking forums and educational workshops, attendees can expect a diverse array of free or low-cost activities that showcase the unique essence of the Gold Coast surf culture.
Multiple film and photography competitions launched in the festival leadup, along with two major interactive and free community photography initiatives, Now + Then and Flotsam Ripples.
Coolangatta’s iconic The Pink Hotel will have its fenceline wrapped in images for Flotsam’s Now + Then, a site takeover showcasing a photographic journey through time via images from local past and present shown across the eras, with additional images accessible by QR code.
Curated by legendary lensman Ted Grambeau, Flotsam International Masters of Surf exhibition will feature arguably the largest group of leading surf photographers ever assembled into one exhibition.
With more than 40 of the world-best surf photographers contributing, this exhibition will launch at a landmark opening at Kirra Beach House on May 3, 1-5pm.
Sharing tales behind the images, guest panellists will include surf filmmaker Taylor Steele joining Ted to recount their adventures shooting Mick Fanning biopic ‘Missing’. Attendees will also enjoy roaming canapes and sunset sips by presenting partners Solento Organic Tequila.
The Kirra Hill Community & Culture Centre will also be home to the Australian Surf Photo of the Year Exhibition from 1-12 May and the Flotsam Media + Makers forum May 11.
Hosted by award-winning author and journalist Tim Baker, the free Media + Makers forum will host informative panels on topics ranging from the art of book making, to how to make a living as a freelancer.
HOTA, Home of the Arts will showcase the Occumentary 25th Anniversary Screening with surf filmmaker Jack McCoy. The multi award-winning film showcase will be the first time the film has been shown in cinemas on the big screen.
Seminal surf filmmakers George Greenough and Andrew Kidman will also have work featured in showcase events during the festival, bringing with them a host of special guests and - in the case of Kidman - live music scores to classic films.
Flotsam Festival was created to foster and spotlight individual artists, creators and talent, amplify the flourishing arts and cultural industry, and serve as a place of community connection.
“Entering year three, the Flotsam lineup is set to deliver one of the largest ocean-inspired arts festivals of its kind. The calibre of international talent from across the eras joining us will ensure this year’s exhibitions and film events are truly world class,” said FLOTSAM Festival Director, Carolyn Emge.
Highlighting the vibrant spirit of surf culture and artistic expression through ocean-inspired film and photographic arts, with an extensive calendar of events, the festival aims to captivate audiences of all interests.
Flotsam Festival is presented by Flotsam Arts Inc and proudly supported by the festival’s foundation partners, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.
Media room: https://flotsamarts.pr.co/
Festival website: https://www.flotsamfestival.com.au
Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/FlotsamSurfFilmAndPhotographyFestival
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Emily Halloran – FLOTSAM
P: 0432 041 137
E: hello@emilyhalloran.com
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Iconic surfing images from some of the world’s finest lens folk are placed back to the vantage points they were taken from. Various outdoor locations, Coolangatta. FREE.
Bending the space-time continuum with a trip through the eras, the iconic Pink Hotel fenceline will host Now + Then, a community photo project pairing images from Gold Coast’s past to present. The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta. FREE.
An ode to the surfing road trip. A collision of photo and film celebrating surf trips through the ages. Iron and Resin, Currumbin. Mon-Fri 6am – 3pm, Weekends 7am – 1pm. FREE.
Photography exclusively shot on film in a group exhibition featuring Ming Nomchong, Nat McComas, Trent Mitchell, Luke Henery and more. Outer Bound, Burleigh. Mon-Fri 5:30 am –1 pm, Sat 6am – 11 am. FREE.
Updated daily, Ripples is a community photo project exploring ‘Blue Mind’ art therapy images that are captured, distributed and then projected on screens in locations across the city to reach those unable to make the trek to water themselves. Various locations, see site for details and how to participate. FREE.
Kicking off the Flotsam pixel party with mini guided photo tours, feature films including Noa Deane’s MASH, live music with Matt Armitage, and giveaways. Eddie’s Grub House and Pink Hotel fence line. Coolangatta. Doors 6pm. FREE.
Analogue photography by Ming Nomchong, Nat McComas, Trent Mitchell, Luke Henery and more in a group exhibition with a twist – images on display will be taken home piece by piece by attendees. Tunes, drinks, door prizes, surprises. Outer Bound, Burleigh Heads. Doors open 5.30pm. TICKETED.
The largest gathering of leading surf photographers ever assembled into one exhibition, Masters of Surf will feature a roll call of over forty of the biggest and brightest luminaries. Opening launch + cocktail lunch, with items from the collection going under the hammer to benefit each photographer’s chosen beneficiary. Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta. Doors 1pm. TICKETED.
Taylor Steele joins the chat room for a 10 year anniversary recap of Mick Fanning opus Missing, plus this year’s best shorts and clips from across the globe including Trilogy New Wave. Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta. Doors 5.15pm. TICKETED.
Presenting the work of up-and-coming filmmakers and photographers on the big screen, with live scores by young musicians from leading programs. Surfrider clean up, found art displays and workshops, and more. Palm Beach Parklands. 2pm- 7.30pm. Presented by Tugun Community Bank.FREE.
Shining a spotlight on women from either side of the lens, join a female-led panel and curated international shorts, photo projections, and film featuring surfer and activist Patcha Light, photographer Cindy Grzesiak, filmmaker Clementine Bourke, Shannon Hayes and others. Tugun Community Hall. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
Jack McCoy’s insightful film about Australian surf star Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo celebrates 25 years since release. HOTA, Home of the Arts. Doors open from 5pm. TICKETED.
Afternoon tea served with a side helping of photo archiving and a historic community slideshow to build on the archival project, Now + Then. Southern Gold Coast 60’s and Better Hub, Palm Beach. 2.30pm. FREE.
Fundraising for the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, catch six of revered surf filmmaker George Greenough’s short films, including Echoes remastered into stunning 4K. Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus. Doors 6.30pm. TICKETED.
Photographer Craig Parry and filmmaker Andrew Kidman explore how art can intersect ocean-activism through mediums like photography. Includes screening of Earth Ball and Road To Patagonia. Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh. Doors 6pm. Limited FREE Tickets Available.
Filmmaker and musician Andrew Kidman accompanied by his band The Windy Hills playing live soundtrack to road trip clips, including a screening of seminal film Litmus + other highway fare. Iron and Resin, Currumbin. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
A maker’s showcase and forum with rotating panels of the leading creatives from the magazine, podcast, film, book and TV realms. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. 2pm-5pm. FREE.
Award-winning ocean cinematographer Craig Parry shares tips and tricks to capture what’s up with what goes on down below. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. 10.30am - 12.30pm.TICKETED.
Everything we love about the Gold Coast’s iconic surf exploding on the big screen. Top ten surf clip comp finalist films, photo comp collaborations with Surfrider and RBR. Food trucks, art stalls, and live music feat/ Love Banana. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
As one festival door closes, a board making precinct opens. Live surfboard shaping displays, music, film, and photo slideshow w/ surf pioneer Peter Drouyn sharing stories behind iconic images. Burleigh Boardmakers. Doors 3pm. FREE.
About Flotsam Arts
Flotsam Festival is a multi-site film and photography celebration inspired by surf culture. The third annual Flotsam Festival will run from Wednesday 1st May to Sunday 12th May, 2024. Flotsam Festival is presented by Flotsam Arts Inc., a not for profit association formed to create pivotal events that showcase the Gold Coast’s iconic surf culture through photo and film, and to create opportunities for photographic artists to extend their practice through mentorships, workshops and exhibition opportunities.
Flotsam Festival is supported by the City of Gold Coast, Experience Gold Coast, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Contact details
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- Carolyn Ridings Emge
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Soul Arch Media
P: 07 55595551
M: 0415301913 - caz@soularchmedia.com