WADE IN THE WATER

David Mesfin |
USA |
2024 |
60Min |
English
16 P
Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, this film, a journey into Black surfing and aquatic culture, reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. It dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, delving into the overlooked history of Black surfing’s legacy while honouring its current movement. The groundbreaking enquiry of the intersection between sports, culture and history delves into the Pan-African surfing tradition that stretched along the coastlines of West Africa and has since taken root in America. Through captivating storytelling, it inspires the next generation of Black surfers, igniting a wave of cultural resurgence and recognition.
David Mesfin
Wondwossen Dikran, Bemnet Yemesgen, Michael Warner
David Mesfin
David Mesfin
Sharon Schaffer, Sierra Raquel, Rick Blocker, Beyin Abraha

Screenings

21 July 12:15 Gateway 9
25 July 17:30 Suncoast 8

Wavescape Package 1

WADE IN THE WATER
WADE IN THE WATER - David Mesfin

David Mesfin

David Mesfin is a creative director and multidisciplinary designer who traces his roots to Ethiopia but found his creative calling in the vibrant surf culture of St. Augustine, Florida, after migrating to the United States in his youth. Immersed in the rhythms of the ocean and the beauty of nature, Mesfin’s early years shaped his profound connection to the environment. Driven by the urgent call for racial justice following the tragic events of 2020, including the murder of George Floyd, Mesfin harnessed his creative talents for positive change. He initiated the groundbreaking Wade in the Water project, a visionary full-length documentary aimed at uplifting his community and fostering dialogue on social justice issues. Premiering to critical acclaim at the 31st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, the film has since garnered widespread attention, captivating audiences worldwide. With sold-out showings and accolades, including prestigious awards, the documentary stands as a testament to Mesfin’s commitment to using art as a catalyst for meaningful change.