National Trust come on board with London Surf / Film Festival
5 time British Womens Surf Champion and National Trust Water Sports Coordinator Robyn Davies Photo: Sharpy
The London Surf / Film Festival is proud to announce the National Trust as Presenting Partners for the first annual London Surf / Film Festival Shorties contest. “Short films are a central pillar of modern surf culture; a creative outlet for sharing stories and inspiring stoke,” says London Surf / Film Festival founding member, Demi Taylor. “As surfers, the environment and coastline are integral to our story. The National Trust works hard on our behalf to conserve and protect nearly 10 per cent of the coastline across England, Wales and Northern Ireland which is why we are thrilled to be working with the charity to present The Shorties short film contest.”
Open exclusively to surf filmmakers from or based in Britain and Ireland, The Shorties short film contest is a chance for home grown talents to flex their creative muscles on the world stage. Until 26th August filmmakers are invited to submit their 5 minute shorts that explore all aspects and angles of surfing and surf culture. The best submissions will be selected for screening as part of the 2011 London Surf / Film Festival programme and judged in the category of Shortie of the Year by the official screening panel, comprised of some of the most influential names in surfing.
“We’re really stoked to be a part of the London Surf/ Film Festival. The Shorties is a great chance for home grown artists to showcase the beautiful island coastlines we live on,” says National Trust Water Sports Coordinator and former British pro surfer Robyn Davies. “We’re on the front row of a surfer’s daily life – managing some of the world’s most unique and important habitats in a 760 mile stretch of coastline. It’s huge work looking after such a mega play ground so before you wax up, dance, laugh and play on top of the crest come and lend a hand at your local spot. We’re here forever for everyone and it truly is time well spent! So see you on the front row…whether it be with pop corn or a spade in hand!”
The London Surf / Film Festival
13-15 October 2011, hosted at London’s iconic Riverside Studios, the London Surf / Film Festival is the premier showcase for international surf filmmaking, bringing to the capital three nights of the surfing world’s hottest releases, independent features, short films, and UK premieres. Fusing together film, art, photography and commentary from waveriding’s most exciting creative’s, it is a celebration of the cream of contemporary surf culture. www.londonsurffilmfestival.com follow us on Facebook and Twitter
- The Trust looks after a number of the best surfing spots in Devon and Cornwall. These include: Godrevy, Chapel Porth, Holywell Bay, Crantock and Woolacombe.
- As a charity, the National Trust relies heavily on hundreds of volunteers every year who help to maintain coastal footpaths and take part in various beach-cleans.
- The management and conservation of this coastal land costs approx. £3,000 per mile per year.
- The Trust owns nearly 90 coastal car parks in Devon and Cornwall. Income from the Trust’s coastal car parks is ploughed straight back into the management and conservation of the surrounding area.
- In managing the coast, new challenges such as climate change and sea level rise, fisheries management and the need for a marine planning system have led the Trust to shift its focus beyond the limits of its land ownership and get involved in issues affecting the broader coastal zone.
- Set up in 1895 to protect places of historic or natural beauty for the nation to enjoy, the National Trust is Britain’s largest coastal landowner and Europe’s largest conservation organisation. It protects 760 miles of the coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- In 1965 the Trust launched The Neptune Coastline Campaign in response to growing fears that development was slowly destroying the best of the nation’s natural coastline. Four decades on, the campaigning spirit and generosity of thousands of people has helped the Trust to raise £45 million and acquire over 700 miles of coastline in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and open it up to the millions of people who enjoy it every year. www.nationaltrust.org.uk