Stories of Land. Stories of Sea. Stories of Us. Celebrating connection through film, culture, and community.

A cinematic evening honouring culture, connection, and the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku. The Land & Sea Film Series brings together ocean storytelling, local filmmaking talent, and Hawaiian cultural heritage in a powerful double-feature event.

This special Duke’s Day program celebrates the deep relationship between Hawai‘i and Freshwater—a bond forged over 100 years ago when Duke first surfed Freshie’s waves.

A Night of Culture, Community & Storytelling

The Land & Sea Film Series honours the stories that connect us—from local shores to distant islands, from past to present.
It’s more than film—it’s a shared community experience celebrating identity, heritage, and the ocean that brings people together.

Event Details
Date: Friday 09 January 2026
Location: Harbord Diggers, Freshwater, NSW
Time: 6pm
TICKETS: HERE

Film 1: Connected by Sea

We’re proud to present the short film by Freshwater’s own Jemma Pigott, an emerging filmmaker with a deep passion for surf, culture and environmental storytelling.

About the film
Connected by Sea explores the enduring ties between Hawai‘i and Freshwater, the cultural bridge built by Duke Kahanamoku, and the shared love of ocean life that continues to connect communities across the Pacific. Through interviews, imagery, and personal reflection, Jemma captures what binds us—water, culture, heritage, and the spirit of Aloha.

Yarning and Q&A with Jemma Pigott
Following the screening, audiences are invited to enjoy an intimate yarn and Q&A with Jemma as she shares:

• The inspiration behind the film
• Her process as a local filmmaker
• What Freshwater means to her
• Insights into capturing community stories on film

This is an exciting moment for Freshwater to support and celebrate one of its rising filmmakers.

Feature Film: WATERMAN

WATERMAN is a powerful and beautifully crafted documentary that chronicles the extraordinary life of Duke Kahanamoku—the Hawaiian icon whose legacy continues to shape surfing, sport, and global ocean culture. As a five-time Olympic medalist, world-renowned Waterman,  and ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku transcended sport. He became a bridge between cultures, introducing the ancient Hawaiian art of surf riding to the world and leaving an indelible mark on Australia when he first surfed Freshwater Beach in 1914.

About the film​
WATERMAN shares Duke’s courage, humility, and global impact, reminding us why his legacy still resonates deeply today. WATERMAN ​dives deep into Duke’s personal journey—from his roots in Waikīkī to international acclaim—exploring themes of perseverance, cultural identity, racism, and the profound spirit of Aloha that defined his life.
The documentary reveals how Duke’s quiet strength and generosity helped him break barriers in sport, promote Hawaiian culture on a global stage, and inspire generations of surfers, ocean caretakers and athletes.

Yarning and Q&A with Tom Pōhaku Stone 
The film features the insight and cultural knowledge of Tom Pōhaku Stone, a traditional Hawaiian board shaper, cultural practitioner and respected Waterman. Thanks to support from Hawai‘i Tourism and Hawaiian Airlines, we warmly welcome Tom after the screening for a yarn and Q&A sharing:

• His experiences in the making of the film
• Duke’s influence on Hawaii and global communities
• The importance of preserving traditional practices and ocean knowledge

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to hear directly from one of Hawai‘i’s leading cultural voices.

More than a biography, WATERMAN ​is a tribute to humility, courage, respect, and connection—values that resonate deeply in surfing and beyond. It invites audiences to reflect on Duke’s impact not just as a champion athlete, but as a unifying cultural figure whose legacy continues to shape communities from Hawai‘i to Freshwater and across the world.​

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