Alice

After years working in the surf industry as a surf film director and traveling the world as a surfer, I feel I've reached my limit. I LOVE surfing, but the environment can be somewhat unwelcoming to those who don't fit the community's imposed standards, which has left me frustrated. The more I engaged with this community—one of many I navigate—the more I wanted to step back, find a space to speak out, and make even a small change. It was then that I reconnected with Alice. We grew up skateboarding and surfing together, and our families were close friends. We used to surf together from time to time. When I met Alice again, I was deeply saddened to learn that she had stopped surfing, not only due to the lack of safety she felt in the surf environment but also because surfing had been a way for her to reconnect with her late father. I decided to channel all my energy and love into this project to share her story with the world, especially with the surfing community, which needs to reflect and change its way of thinking. It’s astonishing to think that a sport often seen as embodying "peace and love" can be so cruel and judgmental. Alice’s story is just one of many heartbreaking examples of people who simply want to be themselves but are tormented by societal norms. I hope this film will challenge stereotypes and open people’s eyes—particularly in the sports world (consider the recent situation with the female boxer at the Olympics)—so that we can recognize there is room for EVERYONE in whatever they choose to do