The 14th Annual Oceanside Intl Film Festival Has Arrived! Kicking off Tuesday, February 18th and Running Through Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at The Brooks Theater, OIFF ’25 is Proud to Present 5 Days of Cinema, Art & Community right in the Heart of one of California’s 14 Designated Cultural Districts. Championed by the Universal Topics of Environment, Acceptance, Individuality & of course, The Surf, we Invite both Filmmakers and Film Goers alike to Experience what 2025 has to Offer for Attendees of OIFF. Presented by our Sponsors at Visit Oceanside, we thank you for Supporting the Voices of Independent Film as well as for Supporting Cinema Houses in Times of Need. We’ll see you at the Movies.

Schedule of Events

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2025

5:30PM – OF SAND & SEA // DOCUMENTARY SHORTS PROGRAM

An introspective Double-Feature shorts presentation of surf & surf adjacent stories from abroad, detailing the utmost adventurous sides to an already thrilling lifestyle & proof that surf not only more than a sport, but one that needs not be contained to the water.

5:30PM – AMAZIGH

The film follows an inspiring Amazigh woman who is determined to break societal expectations and embrace her passion for surfing. Narrated in her native language, Tamazight, the film takes viewers on a personal journey as she tells her story in various locations. This journey captures the intersection of culture, traditions, and individuality and shows the empowering transformation of a young woman who breaks free and explores surfing. (8 Min, Turkey)

Director: Serra Soyupak

Writer: Serra Soyupak

Cast: Maryam El Gardoum

Producer: Asli Savatli, Lutfi Savatli

5:40PM – A LETTER FROM ANTARCTICA

A LETTER FROM ANTARCTICA is a modest attempt to share with an audience what was experienced while searching for surf in the mysterious continent that is Antarctica. Ben Herrgott & team had assembled a crew of surfers from different countries, and although we knew the chances of finding surf were slim in these often uncharted coastlines, what made the journey truly special was the time we spent together aboard the 55-foot steel sailboat, called the Ypake II. To reach Antarctica we would sail across the infamous Drake Passage, navigating past the often feared Cape Horn where the Antarctic and Pacific Oceans collide. It wasn’t all about surf though. While we battled through dangerous coastlines and mechanical issues, we made lifelong friends, were constantly awestruck by our magical surroundings and gained a deeper understanding of the alarming impact of global warming. During the weeks we spent in this extraordinary environment, nature reminded us who is truly in charge and how humans are significantly altering its course. We hope this film offers you a glimpse into this fascinating world. (35 Min, Australia)

Director: Ben Herrgott

Writer: Ben Herrgott

Producer: Ben Herrgott

6:25PM – THIRTY ON // FEATURE PRESENTATION

“Thirty On” is a feature documentary that gives a first person perspective of the 3000 miles Race Across America – – the pinnacle race for ultra-cyclists worldwide. We follow Tim Skipper who has completed this race a record twenty-one times. (93 Min, Documentary, United States)

Director: Henry Brower, Dayna Smith

Cast: Tim Skipper

Producer: Daniel Goldberg, David G. Carrascal

TO BE FOLLOWED BY Q&A WITH ATTENDING FILMMAKERS AND 10 MINUTE BREAK

PROGRAMMING WILL CONTINUE WITH CALL ME MULE AT 8:40PM

8:40PM – CALL ME MULE // FEATURE PRESENTATION

John Sears, who refers to himself as Mule, has been roaming the western United States with his three mules for over thirty years. The 65-year-old and his animals sleep outside, claiming the right to move freely. Bemoaning the loss of open space, urban sprawl and our dependence on the automobile, Mule advocates a simpler way of life in harmony with nature. While many appreciate his nomadic lifestyle, Mule is not welcome everywhere. His confrontations with law enforcement have resulted in fines, arrests, even institutionalization. His story may be unusual, but it has universal appeal, celebrating the creativity, courage and resilience to choose an extraordinary way of life and defend his place in the world. This observational documentary, told in Mule’s own voice, follows his neverending journey. (76 Min, Documentary, United States)

Director: John McDonald

Cast: John Sears

Producer: John McDonald

Buy Tickets

Date: February 18 -22, 2025