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Wade in the Water: Documentary Screening and Panels.
MAKING HISTORY ONE WAVE AT A TIME.
FREE EVENT
Hermosa Community Theater June 13, 2024 * 5:30pm - 8:30pm
PARTICIPATING PARTNERS
CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH COMMUNITY THEATER
June 13, 2024 - Staring at 5:30pm
710 Pier Avenue Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
PHONE: (310) 318-0280
Sponsored by City of Hermosa Beach and Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau
Embark on an extraordinary voyage through the rich and often overlooked tales of Black surfers across centuries and continents. Prepare to be captivated by the grand streaming premiere of our acclaimed documentary, slated for this summer. From the shores of Africa to the beaches of America, dive deep into a millennium of Black surfing heritage.
Join us in celebrating our vibrant community and collaborating with esteemed partners to chart a course towards greater inclusivity and innovation in outdoor spaces. Immerse yourself in the film, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and spark ideas that will shape the future of aquatic culture.
Director David Mesfin will lead engaging conversations with the panelist exploring topics such as competitive surfing, the role of non-profit surf organizations, the evolution of BIPOC surfing, the transformative power of surf therapy, and the potential for cities like Hermosa Beach to foster truly inclusive communities.
Panelist
Wade in the Water project is a catalyst for fostering cultural engagement among the BIPOC surfing community, surf industry, academia, and legislators.
The project has developed an award winning feature length documentary that looking into the 1,000 year old of Black surfing history from Africa to the Americas. The project has toured around the world and ready for streaming release this summer. The project also has an exclusive line of limited editions art pieces and merchandise.
The collaboration with different brands, organizations, and community offers a truly immersive experience to see the film and open dialogue and opens opportunities for culture dialogue and fostering avant guard ideas in the outdoors space.
On June 13 in collaboration with the City of Heromsa Beach Wade in the Water project invites you to join us for a free screening of Wade in the Water documentary followed by a panel discussion.
SCHEDULE
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WELCOME
5:30-6:15PM PST
Visit with organizations tied to the film, enjoy light refreshments, a DJ, and a message from the City of Hermosa Beach’s City Manager Suja Lowenthal.
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FILM SCREENING
6:20-7:20PM PST
Watch the award winning documentary Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture.
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PANEL DISCUSSION
7:25-8:30PM PST
Mayor Justin Massey will moderate a panel discussion with the director, community leaders, surf industry experts, and city officials.
Endorsement
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“Wade In The Water” is a documentary that I show to my undergraduate students in my History of Surfing course. It is consistently one of my students' favorite lectures of the semester, as it combines excerpts from Dr. Dawson's book with Mesfin's documentary. I highly recommend this documentary for surfers and non-surfers alike.
Jason Old, Ph.D.
Southeastern University -
Even though people of color represent a significant portion of the surf culture in the water, this isn't proportionally reflected in media and advertising. We understand wanting to belong to something you do not see yourself represented in. A lack of representation can make someone feel like they need to be granted permission to participate. Stories like this are so important because they provide that welcome invitation so many of us feel we need (even though we don't) to explore our curiosity and love of the ocean.
Grace Hsiang, 7TILL8 Wetsuits
CEO -
Because of the film, we've had several groups join us in exploring the joy of surfing! I can't thank David enough for his generousity, time, and participating in an engaging Q&A session during the screening. We hope to share the film in the future with more audiences in our area in the hopes of bringing the joy of surfing to the metro ATL area, and inspire the next generation of BIPOC surfers!
Tara Spencer
SurfATL
FAQ’s
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Supporting the Black Surfing community in California and nationwide can take various forms. Here are some ways you can help:
1. Financial Support: Consider making donations or contributing financially to organizations such as Black Surfers Collective, Black Surfing Association, and others listed. Financial support can help these organizations sustain their operations, organize events, provide educational programs, and support community members in need.
2. Volunteer: Offer your time, skills, and expertise to assist these organizations in their initiatives. This could involve helping with event planning, outreach efforts, educational workshops, or providing mentorship to aspiring surfers within the community.
3. Promotion and Visibility: Use your platform or social media channels to amplify the voices and stories of Black surfers and organizations. Share their events, achievements, and initiatives to increase awareness and support within your network.
4. Participation: Attend events, workshops, and surf sessions organized by these organizations. Your presence and participation not only show support but also help build a sense of community and belonging within the Black surfing community.
5. Advocacy: Advocate for diversity and inclusion within the surfing industry and community. Encourage surf brands, sponsors, and event organizers to prioritize diversity in their initiatives and support Black surfers and organizations.
6. Education and Outreach: Take the time to educate yourself and others about the history and contributions of Black surfers to the sport. Share resources, books, documentaries, and articles that highlight these stories and experiences.
7. Business Support: If you own or operate a business, consider partnering with Black-owned surf businesses such as Sofly Surf School, Texture Waves, or Earth Conscious Objects by Ryan Harris. Collaborations and partnerships can help these businesses grow and thrive within the industry.
8. Networking: Connect with other individuals and organizations that support diversity and inclusion in surfing. Building a network of allies and supporters can strengthen the efforts to create a more inclusive surfing community.
By taking these actions, you can contribute to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for the Black surfing community in California and nationwide.
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To join the Q&A session on Instagram with David Mesfin and Panelist, follow these steps:
1. Follow David Mesfin Art: If you're not already following David Mesfin Art on Instagram, search for his profile "@davidmesfinart" and click the "Follow" button. This ensures you stay updated with his posts and events.
2. Mark Your Calendar: Make a note of the date and time of the Q&A session, which is June 13 at 7 PM PST. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to ensure you don't miss it.
3. Join the Session: On June 13 at 7 PM PST, log in to your Instagram account. Navigate to David Mesfin Art profile. Typically, he will post about the Q&A session beforehand, so you may see a post or story announcing the event.
4. Participate: Once the session begins, David Mesfin Art will likely go live on Instagram. You can join the live stream by clicking on his profile picture if it has a colorful ring around it or if there's a "Live" badge. Once you're in the live stream, you can ask questions or engage with panel through the comments section.
5. Ask Questions: If you have any questions for David Mesfin Art and panelist during the Q&A session, type them into the comments section. We will answer them directly during the live stream.
6. Interact: Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with David Mesfin Art and other participants during the Q&A session. Engage in conversations, share your thoughts, and enjoy the experience.
By following these steps, you can successfully join the Q&A session on Instagram with David Mesfin Art on June 13 at 7 PM PST.
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Yes, you can screen the film "Wade in the Water Documentary” in your community or Office. To do so, you'll need to secure a license for community screening through Video Project. They will provide you with all the necessary documents for either community or corporate screenings. You can obtain the license by following the link provided: https://www.videoproject.org/wade-in-the-water.html. This license ensures that you have the legal permission to publicly screen the film in your community.
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To support the "Wade in the Water" project, here are several actions you can take:
1. Screen the Film in Your Community: Host a screening of the film in your community. Follow it up with a Q&A session to foster dialogue and reflection on the film's themes and messages.
2. Rent or Buy the Film: Starting June 19, 2024, you can rent or buy the film directly from wadeinthewaterproject.com. Your purchase or rental directly supports the project and its creators, allowing them to continue their impactful work.
3. Follow on Social Media or Mailing List: Stay connected with the project by following their social media platforms and joining their mailing list:
- Facebook
- YouTube
- TikTok
4. Share with Friends and Family: Spread awareness about the "Wade in the Water" project by sharing it with your friends and family. Share links to the website, social media pages, or details about upcoming screenings. Encourage others to get involved and support the project's mission.
By taking these steps, you actively contribute to the success of the "Wade in the Water" project and help amplify its important message within your community and beyond.