ROCKAWAY BEACH — A film festival showcasing the art, style and grit of women surfing around the world will run Saturday at a local surf club.
Women of the Seven Seas, sponsored by Lava Girl Surf, features a slate of long and short films on Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club.
The films include a documentary on India's first professional female surfer as well as shorter films on surfers catching waves at breaks around the world.
The goal of the festival is to "share the spirit and inspiration of the talk story of women wave riders from around the globe," according to the organizers.
"Beyond the Surface" tells the story of Indian surfer Ishita Malavyia, documenting her accomplishments along with the ways that the sport of surfing — mixed with yoga and ecological creativity — "are bringing hope and fueling change for local people and the planet," according to the filmmakers.
Other films featured include "Say No More," about some of the top female longboard surfers in Southern California; "There’s Something about Mary," a short film about a Puerto Rico-based surfer; and "Involvement Dream," a short flick featuring an Australian surfer riding a decades-old surfboard.
There will also be raffle prizes including surfboards, signed photographs, surf gear and gift certificates from Uma's Restaurant and Sayra's Wine Bar.
The event begins at 7 p.m., with films screening at twilight.
Rockaway Beach Surf Club, 302 Beach 87th St., Rockaway Beach.
