A new documentary spotlights Ecuador’s women surfers fighting climate change
- Text by Hannah Bentley
- Photography by Maddie Meddings
Ceibo — Co-directed by Maddie Meddings and Lucy Small, the film focuses on the work and story of Pacha Light, a wave rider who lived off-grid before reconnecting with her country’s activist heritage.
A new surf documentary, Ceibo, which tackles gender inequality and environmental protection in Ecuador, will premiere in the UK on 26th April.
The film is an all women-led project co-directed by Cornwall-based filmmaker Maddie Meddings and Australian surfer-activist Lucy Small.
Told through the personal journey of professional surfer and activist Pacha Light, Ceibo examines the intersection of surfing, environmental justice, and gender equality.
Born in the Ecuadorian Andes and raised off-grid in a remote cloud forest, Pacha returns to her roots following the death of her father in 2021. It begins as a quest of self-exploration, before growing into a wider exploration of Ecuador’s powerful history of activism – particularly the role of women on the frontlines.
Light said: “To share my personal heritage, learning and embracing what it means to be an Ecuadorian woman throughout the filming of ‘Ceibo’ has been nothing short of empowering. 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.”
From land rights battles in the Andes and Amazon to the fight to protect the Galapagos Islands, in Ceibo, Pacha and Small explore personal identity and collective resistance and the ocean as a space of both healing and protest.
Small 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."
Ceibo film premieres at the Finisterre Store on Neal Street, London, before embarking on a UK-wide tour.
Watch the trailer below. For the full national tour schedule, visit the Ceibo’s official website.
Hannah Bentley is a freelance journalist. Follow her on Instagram.
Buy your copy of Huck 81 here.
Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.
Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck.
Latest on Huck
Meet the hair-raised radical women of Berlin’s noise punk scene
Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy within the German capital’s female-only bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Amid tensions in Eastern Europe, young Latvians are reviving their country’s folk rhythms
Spaces Between the Beats — The Baltic nation’s ancient melodies have long been a symbol of resistance, but as Russia’s war with Ukraine rages on, new generations of singers and dancers are taking them to the mainstream.
Written by: Jack Styler
Uwade: “I was determined to transcend popular opinion”
What Made Me — In this series, we ask artists and rebels about the about the forces and experiences that shaped who they are. Today, it’s Nigerian-born, South Carolina-raised indie-soul singer Uwade.
Written by: Uwade
Inside the obscured, closeted habitats of Britain’s exotic pets
“I have a few animals...” — For his new series, photographer Jonty Clark went behind closed doors to meet rare animal owners, finding ethical grey areas and close bonds.
Written by: Hannah Bentley
Frazer Clarke: “I had a hole in my leg, I’m very lucky to be alive”
Hard Feelings — For our interview column on masculinity and fatherhood, the Olympic boxing medallist speaks to Robert Kazandjian about hard graft, the fear and triumph of his first fight, and returning to the ring after being stabbed on a night out.
Written by: Robert Kazandjian
Remembering Holly Woodlawn, Andy Warhol muse and trans trailblazer
Love You Madly — A new book explores the actress’s rollercoaster life and story, who helped inspire Lou Reed’s ‘Walk on the Wild Side’.
Written by: Miss Rosen