AN inspirational award-winning documentary about a big wave surfer’s triumph over adversity is to be screened in Cornwall.

Maya and the Wave will be shown at the Lighthouse Cinema in Newquay on October 13 and at the Filmhouse in Newlyn on October 12, 14 and 17.

The poignant film tells the story of world champion Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira, as she battles against monster waves, injury and misogyny within the surfing industry.

Maya, who was the first woman to surf the notorious giant wave at Nazaré in Portugal, was ridiculed and ostracised by the male big wave surfers who dominate the sport after nearly drowning early in her career.

Five years and three spinal surgeries later, and seemingly against all odds, she conquered the biggest wave a woman had ever surfed.

Maya enlisted the help of her fans to fight for recognition when her accomplishment was disregarded by the industry. She eventually became the first female surfer honoured with a Guinness World Record.

Maya and The Wave, which was 10 years in production, was first runner up for the Toronto International Film Festival People’s Choice Documentary Award, and received critical and popular acclaim on its festival run.

Variety called the film ‘jaw-dropping’ and wrote “...the film more than succeeds in its primary goals of providing an inspirational role model plus lots of stupendous surfing footage, a combination that will enthral most viewers.”

Director Stephanie Johnes said: “Maya and the Wave is a very emotional film, filled with highs and lows, which mirrors the experience I had making it.

“I remember when I watched the first assembly. I watched and cried because I realised that all of the material gathered over those many years had actually turned into a wonderful story that showed the honest truth of a woman fighting to achieve her dream, while struggling against gender bias.”