This Surf Film Could Change How You See Gender, the Environment – and Ecuador

New documentary Ceibo heads to Cornwall in May

A powerful new documentary, Ceibo, is heading to Newquay next month – and it’s not your typical surf film. Premiering nationally on 26th April, Ceibo follows two surfer-activists as they journey across Ecuador exploring gender equality, environmental protection, and Indigenous wisdom. The Cornwall screening takes place on 2nd May at the Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay, as the final event in the film’s UK tour.

A journey through land, sea, and legacy

Directed by Cornwall-based filmmaker Maddie Meddings and Australian gender equality advocate Lucy Small, Ceibo tells the story of professional surfer Pacha Light as she reconnects with her Ecuadorian heritage and the country’s deep-rooted history of activism.

Born in the Ecuadorian Andes and raised off-grid in a cloud forest, Pacha’s journey is both personal and political. After her father’s passing in 2021, she set out to understand more about her roots and the role of women shaping Ecuador’s future.

Pacha said:

“I’ve always dreamed about finding a way to showcase the life force that is my birth country of Ecuador. Witnessing this collection of inspiring stories from young women and by young women, gives me hope – in activism, in relationships, in loss, Indigenous wisdoms and the strength of community. These stories are woven together by the love of the sea and reclaiming spaces through joyful play.”

Highlighting the women leading change

Travelling with Lucy across Ecuador, Pacha meets women on the frontlines of some of the country’s most significant battles — from land rights struggles in the Andes and Amazon to campaigns protecting the Galapagos Islands.

Lucy said:

“For so many years growing up as a surfer I had no one to aspire to be because surf films and magazines were filled with male surfers. I am so proud to share this important story that brings to the foreground the compelling and beautiful narratives of women in Ecuador, a country that has achieved so much in the protection of some of the world’s most unique natural wonders.”

Why Cornwall should care

Maddie, who is based in Cornwall, also co-directed and filmed the documentary. She said:

“With global politics as they are I think a lot of us are experiencing a feeling of uncertainty – for our own futures and the future of our planet. We’re desperate to support the causes we care about but often don’t know how. We wanted to make this film as, not only, a joyous celebration of Ecuador and the people we met there, but as an example of all the forms activism can take. With surfing at the film’s core we wanted to inspire people to make change, and take them on an uplifting and exciting journey whilst doing so.”

As part of the tour, Maddie and Lucy are travelling between screening locations using only public transport, highlighting the importance of sustainable choices and staying true to the climate values reflected in the film.

An all-women-led production

Ceibo is an all-women-led production, co-directed by Maddie and Lucy. It’s their second film together and features a deeply collaborative effort between creatives passionate about storytelling, surfing, and social justice.

Pacha, who has stepped back from competitive surfing to focus on advocacy and free surfing, has long been active in raising awareness for ocean conservation — even organising a paddle at age 14 to support a World Surfing Reserve.

The bigger picture

Ecuador made history in 2008 by becoming the first country in the world to recognise the ‘Rights of Nature’ in its constitution. Ceibo captures the tension between those ideals and ongoing challenges to protect the country’s biodiversity, culture, and natural resources.

The film is presented by MECCA M-POWER, part of MECCA’s $25 million commitment to championing gender equality by supporting social changemakers around the world.

Ceibo premieres on 26th April 2025, with its Cornwall screening on 2nd May at Lighthouse Cinema, Newquay. It promises to be more than just a surf film – it’s a call to action.