La Torche

2024 • USA • 4 min • Mike King

Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Staff Pick

‘In Waves’ gives us a glimpse into the joy that has cultivated a culture of Great Lakes connection. In 2004, visionary Beryl Skrocki founded Sleeping Bear Surf with a dream of sharing the potential for freshwater play. Now, 20 years later, her legacy lives on.

2022 • USA • 7 min • Daniel Bremmer

Filmmaker in Attendance, First Time Filmmaker

“The Search” follows Great Lakes Surfer Hunter Lohman on his journey to chase waves and his idea of true happiness. With the mystery and inconsistency that comes with lake surfing, Hunter will persevere through unpredictability to find solidarity and serenity in the places he goes and in the life he has chosen for himself.

2023 • USA • 14 min • Rishi Sethi

Filmmaker in Attendance, Subject in Attendance, Family Friendly, Michigan Premiere

Watermarks shows how one person’s dedication and passion for paddling, river surfing, filmmaking, and conservation can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and make a difference in their communities.  The story is centered on a program called First Waves, which provides under-resourced youth with the chance to enjoy and protect their local waterways.