Flotsam Homegrown Wrap Party + Finalists Screening (FREE)
This is where it all comes together. Join us at Burleigh headland’s iconic John Laws Park for the Flotsam Homegrown wrap party: a one-night-only celebration of raw local talent, ocean storytelling, and creative energy, set against a sunset over Burleigh Beach.
Expect a full-blown showcase of the region’s best, as film, photography and live music collide in a uniquely Gold Coast experience that is authentic, grassroots, and completely free. Live music commences at 3.30pm with further acts at 4.30pm.
We’re rolling out the red carpet for our Homegrown finalists and screening the top 10 Surf Clip Comp films on the big screen before crowning this year’s winner. Alongside the films, immerse yourself in powerful visuals from the area’s most exciting lens-based artists, with multiple photography awards announced live on the night.
Wander through outdoor exhibitions and glowing lightbox displays, then settle in as the evening builds with live sets for the perfect soundtrack to a night by the ocean.
PLUS
6.52pm Gold Coast Premiere Screening: Saltwater Dreaming
Saltwater Dreaming is a short documentary that captures the heart and hustle of the Gold Coast’s inclusive surf culture. The film journeys from the grass-roots sands of Burleigh Heads to the high-stakes podiums of the international circuit. Exploring how a dedicated community has transformed the surf into a playground for all ages and abilities.
The narrative centres on the vital importance of community-based programs. Viewers go behind the scenes to see how specialised water safety teams and local volunteers strip away the barriers to entry, providing the equipment and physical support necessary for people with disabilities to experience the transformative power of the ocean.
This educational segment highlights why inclusion isn’t just a “feel-good” initiative—it’s a fundamental right that fosters mental health, physical strength, and a sense of belonging.
The stakes rise as the film follows the elite stars of the Irukandjis, Australia’s national para-surfing team. We track the journey of Para Surfing Athletes including world-class talents like Kai Colless, Jack Curphey, Johnny Konnings, Annie Goldsmith and Matt Speakman as they prepare to represent their home break on the world stage. The film documents their quest for gold and the pride of wearing the green and gold.
Supported by Good Surf, Saltwater Dreaming is more than a sports film; it is a visual testament to the “dream” of an accessible coastline, celebrating the athletes who inspire us and the community programs that make the next wave possible.
Everything we love about home exploding on the big screen in a creative tsunami for the ultimate celebration of home with real stories, local voices, and the creative pulse of the coast, shared under the open sky.
Flotsam’s Homegrown screening event is proudly presented by Div 13 Cr Josh Martin
Full Schedule for the afternoon:
3.30pm Live Music
4.30pm Live Music
5.45pm Surfrider Presents Award
6.00pm RBR Photo Challenge Finalists announced
6.20pm Top ten surf films to be shown
7.10pm Peoples’ Choice. Runners Up and winners announced 7.20pm
7.40pm Photo Challenge Awards
7.55pm GC Winners announced
8.00pm Screening
Fri, May 15
3:00 pm — 8:30 pm
Flotsam Homegrown Wrap Party
(tx excluded)
Buy tickets
John Laws Park