A NEW surf documentary that explores gender equality and environmental protection is being screened at Newquay’s cinema.

Ceibo, which offers an intimate look at the lives of women who are shaping the future of Ecuador’s lands and waters, will be shown at the Lighthouse Cinema on May 2.

Filmed by UK filmmaker Maddie Meddings against the backdrop of Ecuador’s diverse landscapes, Ceibo follows Pacha Light, a professional surfer and environmental activist, as she retraces her heritage across the country.

Born in the Ecuadorian Andes and raised off-grid in a cloud forest, Pacha’s journey is both personal and political.

She set out to reconnect with her heritage and the powerful history of activism in Ecuador after her father’s passing in 2021.

Pacha is joined by Lucy Small, an Australian surfer, gender equality advocate, and co-director of the film. The duo travel through Ecuador, meeting women who have been at the forefront of the country's most crucial battles.

Ceibo sheds light on diverse forms of activism and the women who are leading them from the land rights struggles in the Andes and the Amazon, to the fight to protect the Galapagos Islands.

Ceibo sheds light on diverse forms of activism and the women who are leading them (Picture: Maddie Meddings) ( )

The film is an all-women led project, including UK-based co-director and DOP of the project Maddie Meddings.

Maddie 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 films core, we wanted to inspire people to make change, and take them on an uplifting and exciting journey whilst doing so.”

Pacha and Lucy travel through Ecuador, meeting women who have been at the forefront of the country's most crucial battles ( )

Lucy Small, co-director and gender equality activist, 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."

Pacha Light 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.”

Ecuador was the very first country to recognise the ‘Rights of Nature’ in its constitution in 2008. Although through many battles of the protection of land and waters, it still celebrates the biodiversity of nature, cuisine and culture.

“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.” Pacha said.