Oceanside Intl Film Festival Celebrates Surf Cinema

Annual fan-favorite Surf Saturday event returns to Brooks Theater for festival preview night.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Oceanside International Film Festival is hosting its annual Surf Saturday event, a special festival preview night celebration of local and international surf filmmaking. Hosted by OIFF Executive Director Lou Niles, the all-day affair at the Brooks Theater will feature four separate lineups of nonfiction surf films from around the globe. Surf and film enthusiasts can enjoy the event before the festival's 15th annual run the following week.

Why it matters

The Oceanside International Film Festival has become a popular annual tradition, drawing crowds of surf and film fans to the coastal city. Surf Saturday is a beloved kickoff to the festival, highlighting the region's passion for surf culture and independent filmmaking.

The details

Surf Saturday will take place at the Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside, with doors opening at 12 p.m. for the all-day event. Attendees can enjoy four separate programs showcasing nonfiction surf films from local and international filmmakers. The festival will then continue its 15th annual run the following week.

  • Surf Saturday event is on February 21, 2026.
  • Oceanside International Film Festival's 15th annual event will take place the week after Surf Saturday.

The players

Lou Niles

Executive Director of the Oceanside International Film Festival.

Oceanside International Film Festival

An annual film festival in Oceanside, California that celebrates local and international surf filmmaking.

Brooks Theater

A theater in downtown Oceanside that will host the Surf Saturday event.

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What they’re saying

“Surf Saturday is our annual fan-favorite tradition, bringing together surf and film enthusiasts for a celebration of independent filmmaking right here in Oceanside.”

— Lou Niles, Executive Director, Oceanside International Film Festival (Oceanside International Film Festival website)

What’s next

The 15th annual Oceanside International Film Festival will take place the week after Surf Saturday, from February 23-28, 2026.

The takeaway

The Oceanside International Film Festival's Surf Saturday event has become a beloved tradition, showcasing the region's passion for surf culture and independent filmmaking. This year's preview night celebration at the Brooks Theater promises an exciting lineup of nonfiction surf films from around the world.