Jack McCoy Australian Surf Film Fest Recap

“If your heart is in the right place, it’ll all come together.” – Jack McCoy

The inaugural Jack McCoy Surf Film Festival was more than just a celebration of surfing — it was a moving tribute to the people, stories, and spirit that make the surf community so special.

From sunrise paddle-outs to powerful film screenings and live music, the festival captured the heart of what Jack stood for — storytelling, love, aloha and sharing the stoke. One of the most memorable moments came when 300 strangers stood up to give each other a heart-to-heart hug. As Bob McTavish said, “Never in my lifetime did I think 300 Aussies would hug each other in public… Only Jack could do that!”

The four-day program brought together an incredible lineup of surf films, storytellers, and community icons. The festival opened with STAB’s premiere night at The Orpheum in Cremorne, featuring Snapt5 and Ride the Line: The Movie — two high-energy films celebrating modern surf progression and heavy-water heroes like Jack Robinson, Mason Ho, and Moana Jones. Friday night at The Ritz, Randwick showcased Matty Hannon’s Road to Patagonia and the timeless Endless Summer 2, drawing audiences into the beauty of surf travel across generations.

Saturday, hosted by Surfing World, delivered a nostalgic and emotional evening with Modern Collective and Storm Riders, including a special tribute to Jack himself — a perfect blend of past and present surf culture. The festival closed on Sunday with a true community celebration at Bennett’s Brooky Surf Club, featuring Bud Browne’s Going Surfin’, live music, and an industry legends panel that encapsulated the event’s spirit of connection and storytelling.

The response from everyone involved was overwhelmingly positive, a true reflection of the love and gratitude felt throughout the weekend. Sunday was especially meaningful, dedicated to Merc, with the entire Psillakis family in attendance — a powerful reminder of how the festival brings people together in joy and remembrance. Through donations and auction items, the Jack McCoy Foundation raised over $20,000 for the Mercury Psillakis family.

Led by Luke and Indi, the team also inducted legends Bud Browne and Bruce Brown into the inaugural JMASFF Hall of Fame, while supporting and raising awareness for environmental groups including Surfrider, Surfers for Climate, Take 3 for the Sea, and Living Ocean. As Indi and Luke said, “Whilst it’s been hectic, it couldn’t have been more rewarding to see how everyone has united in such a difficult time.”

The Jack McCoy Surf Film Festival has set a strong foundation for the years ahead — blending surf and film to:

• Pay homage to the legends of our sport

• Gather the tribe to create lifelong memories

• Touch, move, and inspire the surf community

And ultimately, to share the stoke and aloha spirit.

Maxum was proud to support the inaugural event and witness the spirit of Jack McCoy living on — in every wave, every story, and every shared moment.