Support the First Wild Wind Film Fest

Howdy!

It’s high time windsports in the US had their own film festival, which is why we present to you the first annual Wild Wind Film Fest! On September 7th we will premier selected films at the theater at Novus (formerly the Skylight Theatre) in Hood River, Oregon.

For some reason this industry hasn't managed to have a film fest the way skiing, trail running, rock climbing, or many other outdoor sports have. That ends in 2024.

What is the Wild Wind Film Fest?

Windsports are so cool, and every year, pros and amateurs alike produce really rad content. To date, however, there has been nowhere for this content to land except on social media, YouTube, or a sponsor's website if you are lucky. Short reels are the name of the game these days and we are losing the longer form stories! Not anymore! This film fest is for all windsports, including kiteboarders, wingers, downwind SUPers, foilers, and windsurfers.

We want the films for this fest to feature storytelling. Show us your rad community, talk about your journey in this sport, or teach us about your spot that no one knows about. Need inspiration? Think Banff Mountain Film Festival and Reel Rock, but for wind.

Filmmakers will submit their films, which will then be evaluated by a panel of judges. Selected films will be screened at the festival. Because this is a US-based film fest, all submissions must feature a rider who is based in the US at least six months out of the year OR be filmed exclusively in the US.

We will award cash prizes at the film fest, along with bragging rights. The categories are best overall, best film featuring a rider under 18, best film by an all female crew, and audience choice.

Why do you need to raise money?

It costs money to put on events! This is a real film fest with actual prize money attached to it. Since this is the first year and we are running on a tight timeline, we opted to crowdfund rather than seek corporate sponsors (although we won’t turn one down!). Also, how rad are events that are for us and paid for by us? Super rad.

So you know where the money is going, here is the sample budget so far:

Best Overall Grand Prize $1000

Best film by rider under 18 $500

Audience choice award $500

Best film by an all female crew $500

Printing and Misc $600

Venue $600

Total needed $4,000

Anything raised above and beyond the initial $4,000 budget will go towards adding a second ($750) and third place prize ($500).

How do I submit my film?

Inquiries about film submissions can be sent to wildwindfilmfest AT gmail DOT com. A public submission form will be available in the coming weeks. The deadline to submit a film will be August 31st.

Where do I buy tickets?

Right now, the best way to secure your ticket is by making a $100 donation to this fundraiser! Otherwise, tickets will go on sale in August. Follow our social media for up to date information.

Do I get anything for donating?

First and foremost, you get the sense of satisfaction that you are helping make something REALLY cool happen! If you donate over $100, we will put two tickets under your name at will call.

Who are you?

Hi! I am Kimmy Gustafson. Your most average kiter. I have been kiting for six years and can

land 6ft jumps and backrolls (sometimes). I am deeply passionate about windsports and want to see this industry grow in the US.

I am doing this with the support of my partner Michalea Pilkenton. She is a pro Big Air rider for Naish and Ride Engine as well as one of the best IKO instructors around (in my opinion). Her passion lies in pushing herself in this sport as well as helping others to do the same!

The two of us have also enlisted the help of Ewan Jaspan, also a pro rider and all around waterman. He has produced outstanding films for years, and is stoked to help bring a windsports film fest to life!