Seaster Stories Film Night: Community, Sisterhood, and Empowerment
Seaster Stories Film Night was one of the most enlightening evenings of community that I’ve ever experienced. After months of thoughtful planning by our team, more than 300 people (mainly women) of all ages, came together for a night that was about far more than film. For me, it was about empowerment. Seeing ourselves reflected on screen, hearing stories that challenge cultural expectations, and feeling the magic of women lifting each other up.
On the day of the event, our incredible community of volunteers showed up with so much heart, helping with everything from set-up to ushering guests, to making sure the flow of the night felt welcoming and seamless. I am endlessly grateful to them for the warmth and energy they brought to the evening.
I also want to give a shout out to our presenting sponsor, Igloo, and our supporting sponsor, Active Skin Repair, whose generosity made this night possible.
Films That Empowered and Inspired
The evening was the brainchild of CTF co-founder Becky Mendoza, and when we curated the film program, the intention was clear: to shine a light on women pushing boundaries, reclaiming narratives, and building community through surfing and storytelling.
We began with Obibini, which transported us to Ghana where women are boldly stepping into the lineup, breaking through cultural expectations, and showing the next generation what’s possible. Our own film, Marea, introduced us to Sindy Portillo, Andrea Magaña, and Suri Barrera in El Salvador, women who are carving new paths for girls in surfing, skating, and art. Vai celebrated the intergenerational resilience of Pacific Island women, while All Women All Waves brought legends like Kelia Moniz, Justine Dupont, and Leah Dawson to the screen, embodying the joy and power of women in the water. Patagonia’s Aloha Surf reminded us that repairing boards, communities, and ourselves is itself an act of empowerment. The first block closed with First In, Last Out, which told the story of Christa Funk, a trailblazing photographer who redefined what is possible by becoming the first woman to shoot the Eddie Aikau Invitational from the water, and who is a regular on the heaviest days at Pipe.
A Panel of Women Leading Change
After intermission, there was a panel that truly embodied the night’s theme of empowerment. Moderated by Leah Dawson, the discussion featured:
Christa Funk, sharing her journey breaking into the most intimidating surf lineups on earth and redefining representation behind the lens.
Suri Barrera, founder of Hijas del Mar and one of the changemakers featured in Marea, speaking about reshaping cultural expectations for young women in El Salvador through surfing.
Shelby Stanger, journalist, author, and podcast host, highlighting the power of storytelling to shift narratives and amplify women’s voices.
Listening to them, I was reminded that empowerment occurs among communities and happens when women come together, share openly, and create space for one another’s stories.
Closing the Night with Empowerment
The second block of films carried that energy forward. Let Me Chase This Dream followed Bryanna Bradley, a cold-water surf photographer whose resilience shines through her journey of healing after a traumatic brain injury and her inspiring trek along the Continental Divide Trail. Her story was a reminder of the courage it takes to chase dreams, even in the face of fear. We closed with Milk & Honey, featuring Stephanie Gilmore, Caity Simmers, Coco Ho, and Frankie Harrer as they surfed with freedom and individuality, showing us that empowerment also lies in honoring self-expression and choosing what moves us most.
A Ripple Beyond the Screen
For me, every element of Seaster Stories, from the films to the panel, from the volunteers to the sponsors, and most of all, the energy of the crowd, was centered on women’s empowerment. Guests left feeling inspired, seen, and connected. Many shared that the night made them feel more empowered than ever, and the ripple effect has continued: one month later and people are still talking about the experience and asking when the next Seaster Stories will be.
Seaster Stories Women’s Film Night was more than a screening; it was proof of what happens when women gather to share stories and celebrate each other. Together, we created something bigger than ourselves, and this is something that will carry forward and continue to lift others along the way.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Carolyn Saunders
Executive Director, Changing Tides Foundation
