In a match as synergistic as salt and lime, Gold Coast's Flotsam Festival will welcome collaboration between renowned filmmaker Taylor Steele and his award-winning Solento Organic Tequila brand at several key events across the expansive 2024 film and photography program.
Taylor Steele, an award-winning film director and producer and founder of Solento Organic Tequila, will bring his passion for surf culture and storytelling to the forefront of Flotsam Festival through several key event experiences that blend surf, art and film.
A pivotal figure in film across three decades, from the genre defining Momentum in the 90’s through to the more recent Proximity, Steele's dedication to the industry includes founding an annual festival in California, Solento Surf Festival (SSF).
During Gold Coast's Flotsam 2024, Solento will be a presenting partner for the festival’s inaugural International Masters of Surf, International Surf Film Session, and Canisters Exhibition, adding Solento’s signature spin on each experience.
Flotsam International Masters of Surf launch, taking place at Kirra Beach House on Friday 3 May, will feature the largest exhibition of leading surf photographers ever assembled, with a roll call of over 30 of the biggest luminaries of the surf photography genre.
The exhibition features a single image chosen by each designated Master, with select items from the collection going under the hammer to benefit each photographer’s chosen beneficiary.
Curated by legendary lensman Ted Grambeau, the event will also host panels recounting the stories behind several images. Steele will recount Grambeau’s involvement in several shoots, including his Mick Fanning travel opus, Missing.
This will segue the evening’s International Surf Film Session, where Steele will host a 10-year anniversary recap of Missing, followed by a lineup of the year’s best shorts and films from across the globe.
Solento Organic Tequila has also teamed up for the Flotsam Canisters Opening Launch on Thursday 2 May, held at Outer Bound in Burleigh. Guests at this ticketed event can sip on the award-winning Solento Tequila while viewing analogue photography by Ming Nomchong, Nat McComas, Trent Mitchell, Luke Henery, and more in a group exhibition with a twist – images on display will be taken home piece by piece by attendees.
Solento Organic Tequila's collaboration with Flotsam Festival offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience premium organic tequila in an immersive cultural setting.
Though Steele is a Californian by birth, he has a close connection to Australia: he lived in Byron Bay for 10 years, having fallen in love with the country as a 16-year-old on holiday.
“I have a huge love for the culture, the surf and the relaxed way of life. Australia is the perfect place to expand our global footprint outside of the USA,” Steele said.
“Partnering with Flotsam allows us to extend that vision to an audience, creating experiences that blend art, surf culture, and the unmistakable flavour of Solento. It's a partnership rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence.”
Carolyn Emge, Director of Flotsam Festival said: “The partnership with Solento Organic Tequila adds a new dimension to Flotsam Festival 2024. Their authentic roots in surf culture, commitment to supporting film and arts, and reputation for creativity and quality aligns perfectly with the spirit of the festival.”
Flotsam Festival, an arts and culture celebration that shines a spotlight on the Gold Coast’s rich surf heritage and world-class waves through photography and film, will mark its third consecutive year from May 1 to May 12, 2024.
The 2024 edition will deliver several new initiatives and welcome works by a wave of international stars as part of a multi-venue arts trail encompassing indoor and outdoors spaces rolling up the coastline through Coolangatta, Kirra, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach, and Burleigh.
Flotsam Festival rolls across the Gold Coast from 1-12 May with film and photo pop up events spanning Burleigh to Coolangatta. Staged like a giant interactive arts trail, the festival pays homage to the Gold Coast’s world-class surf breaks and iconic coastline through imagery inspired by surf, sand and sea.
Flotsam Festival features dozens of free and ticketed events, including photo exhibitions staged indoor and out, beachside surf cinema nights, live music and more – use this map as a guide to discover some of the southern Gold Coast’s best venues and photo locations.
The two-week festival which was created to foster and spotlight individual artists, creators and talent alike, amplify the flourishing arts and cultural industry, and serve as a place of community connection.
Flotsam Festival is presented by Flotsam Arts Inc and proudly supported by the festival’s foundation partners, the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.
Iconic surfing images from some of the world’s finest lens folk are placed back to the vantage points they were taken from. Various outdoor locations, Coolangatta. FREE.
Bending the space-time continuum with a trip through the eras, the iconic Pink Hotel fenceline will host Now + Then, a community photo project pairing images from Gold Coast’s past to present. The Pink Hotel, Coolangatta. FREE.
An ode to the surfing road trip. A collision of photo and film celebrating surf trips through the ages. Iron and Resin, Currumbin. Mon-Fri 6am – 3pm, Weekends 7am – 1pm. FREE.
Photography exclusively shot on film in a group exhibition featuring Ming Nomchong, Nat McComas, Trent Mitchell, Luke Henery and more. Outer Bound, Burleigh. Mon-Fri 5:30 am –1 pm, Sat 6am – 11 am. FREE.
Updated daily, Ripples is a community photo project exploring ‘Blue Mind’ art therapy images that are captured, distributed and then projected on screens in locations across the city to reach those unable to make the trek to water themselves. Various locations, see site for details and how to participate. FREE.
Kicking off the Flotsam pixel party with mini guided photo tours, feature films, live music and giveaways. Eddie’s Grub House and Pink Hotel fence line. Coolangatta. Doors 6pm. FREE.
Analogue photography by Ming Nomchong, Nat McComas, Trent Mitchell, Luke Henery and more in a group exhibition with a twist – images on display will be taken home piece by piece by attendees. Tunes, drinks, door prizes, surprises. Outer Bound, Burleigh Heads. Doors open 5.30pm. TICKETED.
The largest exhibition of leading surf photographers ever assembled, Masters of Surf will feature a roll call of over thirty of the biggest and brightest luminaries. Opening launch + cocktail lunch, with items from the collection going under the hammer to benefit each photographer’s chosen beneficiary. Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta. Doors 1pm. TICKETED.
Taylor Steele joins the chat room for a 10 year anniversary recap of Mick Fanning opus Missing, plus this year’s best shorts and clips from across the globe. Kirra Beach House, Coolangatta. Doors 5.15pm. TICKETED.
Presenting the work of up-and-coming filmmakers and photographers on the big screen, with live scores by young musicians from leading programs. Surfrider clean up, found art displays and workshops, and more. Palm Beach Parklands. 2pm- 7.30pm. FREE.
Shining a spotlight on women from either side of the lens, join a female-led panel and curated international shorts, photo projections, and film featuring surfer and activist Patcha Light, photographer Cindy Grzesiak, filmmaker Clementine Bourke and others. Tugun Community Hall. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
Jack McCoy’s insightful film about Australian surf star Mark ‘Occy’ Occhilupo celebrates 25 years since release. HOTA, Home of the Arts. Doors open from 5pm. TICKETED.
Afternoon tea served with a side helping of photo archiving and a historic community slideshow to build on the archival project, Now + Then. Southern Gold Coast 60’s and Better Hub, Palm Beach. 2.30pm. FREE.
Fundraising for the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, catch six of revered surf filmmaker George Greenough’s short films, including Echoes remastered into stunning 4K. Southern Cross University Gold Coast Campus. Doors 6.30pm. TICKETED.
Photographer Craig Parry and filmmaker Andrew Kidman explore how art can intersect ocean-activism through mediums like photography. Includes screening of Earth Ball and Road To Patagonia. Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh. Doors 6pm. Limited FREE Tickets Available.
Filmmaker and musician Andrew Kidman accompanied by his band The Windy Hills playing live soundtrack to road trip clips, including a screening of seminal film Litmus + other highway fare. Iron and Resin, Currumbin. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
A maker’s showcase and forum with rotating panels of the leading creatives from the magazine, podcast, film, book and TV realms. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. 2pm-5pm. FREE.
Award-winning ocean cinematographer Craig Parry shares tips and tricks to capture what’s up with what goes on down below. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. 10.30am - 12.30pm. TICKETED.
Everything we love about the Gold Coast’s iconic surf exploding on the big screen. Top ten surf clip comp finalist films, photo comp collaborations with Surfrider and RBR. Food trucks, art stalls, and live music feat/ Love Banana. Kirra Hill Cultural and Community Centre. Doors 5pm. TICKETED.
As one festival door closes, a board making precinct opens. Live surfboard shaping displays, music, film, and photo slideshow w/ surf pioneer Peter Drouyn sharing stories behind iconic images. Burleigh Boardmakers. Doors 3pm. FREE.
Flotsam Festival is a multi-site film and photography celebration inspired by surf culture. The third annual Flotsam Festival will run from Wednesday 1st May to Sunday 12th May, 2024. Flotsam Festival is presented by Flotsam Arts Inc., a not-for-profit association formed to create pivotal events that showcase the Gold Coast’s iconic surf culture through photo and film, and to create opportunities for photographic artists to extend their practice through mentorships, workshops and exhibition opportunities.
Flotsam Festival is supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Made for those who appreciate the ritual of slowing down and being present, Solento Organic Tequila is an award-winning, USDA certified organic tequila range made in small batches from a single estate. The name Solento is based on the Spanish translation of the words “slow sun”. Solento celebrates slow.
Solento Tequila prioritises sustainability through all processes from start to finish. The bottles are made of 100% recycled glass, labels are 100% FSC certified paper stock, and recycled aluminium caps. For every agave that is hand-harvested on the farm, one or more agave is replanted, and after each distillation process, any leftover agave pulp is restored to the land and used for future harvests.
For more information, visit solentotequila.com.au or follow on socials @Solento_Tequila
Media room: https://flotsamarts.pr.co/
Festival website: https://www.flotsamfestival.com.au
Film Freeway: https://filmfreeway.com/FlotsamSurfFilmAndPhotographyFestival
MEDIA ENQUIRIES, including press ready images:
Emily Halloran – FLOTSAM
P: 0432 041 137
E: hello@emilyhalloran.com
About Flotsam Arts
Flotsam Festival is a multi-site film and photography celebration inspired by surf culture. The third annual Flotsam Festival will run from Wednesday 1st May to Sunday 12th May, 2024. Flotsam Festival is presented by Flotsam Arts Inc., a not for profit association formed to create pivotal events that showcase the Gold Coast’s iconic surf culture through photo and film, and to create opportunities for photographic artists to extend their practice through mentorships, workshops and exhibition opportunities.
Flotsam Festival is supported by the City of Gold Coast, Experience Gold Coast, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Contact details
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- Carolyn Ridings Emge
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Soul Arch Media
P: 07 55595551
M: 0415301913 - caz@soularchmedia.com