Lowcountry surfers rejoice! Charleston is finally getting the film festival that members of our thriving surfing community say is long overdue.

The first annual Carolina Surf Film Festival debuts in Charleston the weekend of October 16 – 18. According to Chuck Gainey, one of three surfing buddies who organized the event, “surf cinema” is nothing new—it all started with Gidget, the 1959 movie about a teenage girl who discovers surfing, along with her first true love.

The goal of the festival is to celebrate the local surfing scene by screening great films from around the world. Movies will range from documentary to drama, from shorts to feature-length films. The common denominator is creativity and a focus on all kinds of active water sports—surfing, paddleboarding and kite surfing, to name a few.

The festival will be held at the Brickhouse Party Plantation on James Island. Opening night activities include a short film, a feature-length film and a dinner party to honor filmmakers, patrons and sponsors. On Friday and Saturday, guests can browse merchandise from national and local vendors, enjoy live music, great food and drink—and screen some truly outstanding movies. Industry experts will be on hand to field questions from aspiring filmmakers.

A raffle and silent auction will benefit Surfers Healing, a national non-profit organization that offers free surfing camps to children living with autism. Charleston Waterkeeper and the Surfrider Foundation will also be on hand to raise awareness for the public’s right to clean water and beaches.

If you miss it this year, put it in your tickler file for 2015!

For more information and tickets, go to carolinasurffilmfestival.com.