Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture – OFFICIAL TRAILER

Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture (2023) reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, the film dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, delves into the overlooked history of Black surfing’s legacy, and honors its current movement—inspiring the next generation of Black surfers.

“As an elected official who represents a district that includes prominent beaches, diverse communities, and so much culture and history in between, it is important to me that all 2 million of my constituents have access to our beaches and know they have every right to enjoy them. I was proud to partner with David Mesfin in showing his film Wade in the Water to Los Angeles County residents through my 2nd District Racial Justice Learning Exchange. By uplifting the history of surfing originating in Africa, this film provides a powerful education and message of belonging.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell

As the CEO of a nonprofit promoting inclusivity, I’m proud to endorse ‘Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture.’ This impactful film celebrates the rich history of Black surfing and inspires change. I was deeply moved by the film’s message of empowerment and representation, prompting us to host a screening at our Annual Global Surf Therapy Conference. I’m convinced ‘Wade in the Water’ is a catalyst for dialogue and inspires action towards a more diverse and equitable society in and out of the ocean. For those interested in cultural preservation, historical facts, and uplifting storytelling, this is a must-watch.
Kris Primacio
CEO International Surf Therapy Organization

In a brisk 62-minute runtime, Mesfin invites audiences to explore a part of global history that’s so greatly overlooked, it’s as if it never existed, and to discover something undeniably joyous.
Douglas Davidson, Elements of Madness

Connect with Wade in the Water Project:
Website: https://www.wadeinthewaterproject.com

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