We’re thrilled to announce that surfer/writer/filmmaker Lauren Hill has joined the Feature Documentary Jury for the 2018 festival year. I first met Lauren in the water at Ponce Inlet when we were introduced via fellow friends/surfers from her hometown of St. Augustine.
In the span of 5 short years Lauren took up surfing and collected a handful of competitive titles, including U.S. Women’s Amateur Longboard Champion in 2001. Deciding to shelve the competitive aspect of surfing, Lauren went on to earn degrees in Environmental and Social Science from Stetson University and now works with surf brands and media to create dynamic, inclusive imagery and film content. Her work and activism continue to revolve around marine conservation and gender as they relate to surfing culture, including groups like Surfers for Cetaceans and the VDay movement.