Thomas Castet created gaysurfers.net in 2010 because there was no platform for the gay community in the surf world to communicate and share experiences. Thereafter began a journey through the world meeting people from the culture and surfing scene ended resulting documentary Out in the line up.

The film has been shown in several festivals in Australia (Best Surf Film at Byron Bay International Film Festival and the Audience Award for best documentary at Mardi Gras Film Festival) and has just been released in the San Diego Surf Film Festival .

Surfilmfestibal 12 will host the European premier and the film crew will be in San Sebastian to present it: Thomas castets (producer), Bruno Amaral (Dir. Photography) and Franco Vargas (Ecuadorian surfer protagonist of the film).

It is one of the headers of the festival, an important film because it unveils a scene that is hidden in the surfing world, the taboo of homosexuality. For this screening we´ve partnered with Gehitu and Premio Sebastiane, an association that rewards films that defends the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transvestites values at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

Check out the Thomas Castet interview

Synopsys

After 20 years of silence, former state champion surfer David Wakefield feels ready to reveal a secret that could turn his life upside down. He is gay. At the same time, on the other side of the world, Thomas Castets is setting up the world’s first online community for gay surfers. The two meet and for the first time David connects with someone who understands the burden he has carried for so long.Thomas encourages David to confront his fears of rejection and David comes out at the Sydney Mardi Gras parade, receiving some unexpected media attention.

Despite mixed reactions from friends and family, David is determined to find out why homosexuality is so hidden in surfing. He quits his job, packs up his house and joins Thomas on a global journey to bring understanding to this taboo topic. “OUT in the line-up” follows David and Thomas from the east coast of Australia to Hawaii, California, Mexico and the Galapagos Islands as they meet and surf with people from all corners of the surfing community: from an openly gay three-time world champion, an award winning big wave rider, and former US Congressman to everyday surfers, gay and straight.

Throughout their travels David and Thomas hear stories of fear, isolation and self-doubt, but are also inspired by tales of hope, self-empowerment and transformation. As their journey unfolds, David and Thomas hope to create change in surf culture, looking to the surfing’s grassroots values of freedom of spirit, open-mindedness and love for the ocean.

Director: Ian Thomson
Producer: Thomas Castets
Co-Producer: James Cogswell
Associate Producers: Don Reddin, Ian Thomson
Editor: Campbell Wilson
Music: Glen Walsh, Cinematic Orchestra, Alekesam, Ian Masterson, Current Swell, Charles Webster…
Cast: David Wakefield, Thomas Castets, Cori Schumacher, Robbins Thomson, Barton Lynch, Keala Kennelly, Barney Frank...