Director STEPHANIE JOHNES (US 2022) 100 min

Pursuing her dreams against all odds, Brazilian big-wave surfer Maya Gabeira challenges the status quo in a very patriarchal sport. Filmmaker Stephanie Johnes chronicles Gabeira’s journey over several years, capturing achievements but also unwavering determination in the face of adversity. From taking on the infamously huge waves in Nazaré, Portugal, to enduring multiple spine surgeries and a subsequent breakdown, the film dives right in to Gabeira’s struggles and triumphs. With jaw-dropping footage of this extraordinary athlete in action, including on the unprecedented 73.5-foot wave she surfed to break her own world record, Maya and the Wave presents a thrilling portrait of tenacity, proving that stature and gender matter less than courage and determination.