“Women of the Sea Film Fund" 2026 now open

From the London Surf Film Festival:

If you had £10,000 to make your next surf film, what story would you tell?

Now’s the time to get planning because we have just opened submissions for the 4th Edition Women Of The Sea Film Fund presented by Finisterre x London Surf / Film Festival. The  winning entry will receive a £10,000 grant (or the equivalent rate €, $, or CA$) to bring their story to life and the finished film will have its world premiere on the big screen as part of the line up at London Surf / Film Festival 2026.

Open exclusively to emerging and established women filmmakers resident in UK, Ireland, USA & Canada, the Women Of The Sea Film Fund is about celebrating and elevating women on both sides of the lens. Until 8th March 2026, filmmakers are invited to submit their pitch for a short film of 10-15 minutes in duration, exploring any aspect of surfing or surf culture that brings to the fore untold tales of women making waves.

“The Finisterre x LS/FF Women of the Sea Film Fund has championed extraordinary filmmakers who celebrate the determination, joy and resilience of women in the water, and who challenge the traditional male-dominated surf culture,” says Bronwen Foster-Butler, CMO of Finisterre. “We’re proud to partner with LS/FF for a fourth year, opening doors for female-led storytelling. Finisterre was born from cold-water surfing, so we’re especially eager to see stories from cooler climes or rugged coastlines.”

Across the last three editions, the fund has supported some incredible projects exploring a diverse range of themes from community and identity to age, belonging, multiculturalism and everything in between but a key tenet unites them all – they celebrate the strength and fortitude of women.

“Since 2011 we’ve been privileged to premiere some 300 films, showcasing those creatives who bring fresh perspectives and new lines of storytelling to wavering and surf culture,” says LS/FF Director and award winning filmmaker Demi Taylor.

“We’re delighted to be working with our friends at Finisterre to bring this incredible opportunity for women in filmmaking to life and elevate these untold tales on a global platform. A recent study revealed that, at the current rate of progress, it will be decades before gender parity is reached across key creative positions in filmmaking, which is why a fund like this is so important in helping to change the narrative both in the ocean and in the creative industries.”

We can’t wait to see your ideas!

Submissions are open until International Women’s Day –  8th March 2026  ENTER HERE

More on the LSFF & the Film Fund here