Synopsis
We Are Like Waves is an intimate look into how surfing changes Sanu’s life, documenting the struggles and breakthroughs of becoming one of the first female Sri Lankan surfers. On the south coast of Sri Lanka, surfing is everywhere, yet local girls are discouraged from participating in the sport. Instead, they’re expected to stay home and concentrate on housework, getting married and caring for children. Sanu is challenging the strict gender roles of her village and dreams of becoming the first woman surf instructor. She found a home in the ocean and proves that the young women surfers of Sri Lanka are like waves. You cannot stop them. Best Documentary Short – 95th Academy Awards 2023. Best New Mexico Short – Santa Fe International Film Festival 2022. Nominee Best Documentary – NFFTY 2022. Best Short Film – Surfalorus 2021. Official Selections 2022: Lookout Wild Film Festival, Mountainfilm, No Man’s Land Film Festival, Women’s Surf Film Festival, SHAFF, Flotsam, Kendal Mountain Film Festival, Blue Water Film Festival, London Mountain Film Festival, Shocking Pink Endorphins, Canarias Surf Film Festival, Indy Shorts International Film Festival, MOFF, Peebles Outdor Film Festival, LA Shorts. Official Selections 2021: Coast Film Festival, Women’s Adventure Film Tour, Florida Surf Film Festival, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, Sunshine Coast Surf Film Festival, SFiFF, Tulum World Environment Film Festival, Oceanside International Film Festival.