THE CIGARETTE SURFBOARD is an eye-opening documentary directed by Ben Judkins that has been making waves at the Hawai’i International Film Festival. We dive into Taylor Lane’s journey as he collects thousands of cigarette butts from beaches to create a functioning surfboard. What started as an art project turned into a life’s mission to save our oceans from pollution. Throughout the goal of making this surfboard, he simultaneously sparks an even larger conversation about pollution and individual responsibility for the environment. His project highlights how cigarette waste is a huge but often overlooked environmental issue. The documentary has resonated with surfers and environmentalists because of the combination of art, sustainability, and activism in a unique way.
What was compelling to me was the fact that in this journey with Taylor, we are introduced to a number of people from diverse backgrounds worldwide sharing the same message. I was particularly fond of getting to know Cliff Kapono, a Native Hawaiian professional surfer, and journalist with a Ph.D. Chemist. He contributes to the conversation by educating the viewers on his own environmental research and efforts, studying how surfing communities interact with the ocean and how pollution affects marine life and human health. His perspective in the documentary underscores the responsibilities surfers have in protecting the oceans they rely on, connecting surf culture and science to inspire both long-term conversation and immediate action.
I had the pleasure of meeting the star of the film Taylor Lane myself and what I saw on screen was who I saw in person. Taylor is a man full of passion and wisdom who is not only seeking to better our oceans but also to better the human race. Taylor’s project with the cigarette surfboard has brought a lot of public attention, and he uses it to educate and inspire action through partnerships with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation. His surfboard made from over 10,000 discarded cigarette butts, was originally created for a Vissla contest but now has since become a symbol of environmental responsibility. Lane, with the help of his team, has promoted initiatives around ocean conservation, using the surfboard as the platform to advocate for beach cleanups, sustainability, and awareness of reducing single-use waste.
THE CIGARETTE SURFBOARD gives viewers a powerful sense of possibility: how one creative idea can drive significant change. Taylor Lane’s surfboard goes beyond symbolism because it’s a real, tangible reminder of what’s at stake and what we as humans can achieve when passion meets purpose. This film is about a movement to take a step back and reevaluate our relationship with waste and the oceans we share. Lane’s collaboration with global advocates and environmentalists, especially those like Cliff Kapono, illustrates that our fight for our planet isn’t one person’s mission but a shared responsibility. This documentary is a call to action for anyone inspired to make even the slightest difference, proving that a mix of creativity and dedication can turn into something bigger and meaningful.
Ikani Naulu is a multifaceted creative working as a photographer, writer, and freelance social media manager and content creator. Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, and of Tongan descent, he is a member of Honua Media, a Pacific Islander group focused on storytelling through food and culture. A graduate of Bushnell University with a business degree, Ikani combines his creativity and business skills in his work. In his free time, Ikani enjoys treating himself to movies, playing pickleball, and cooking for his family. His ultimate goal is to contribute to opening doors for fellow Tongan people who are interested in the arts and entertainment industry.
The HIFF ONLINE CREATIVES & CRITICS IMMERSIVE (HOCCI) program supports sustainable film criticism in Hawaiʻi through mentorship and paid career opportunities for Hawaiʻi-based AANHPI critics. The mission of HOCCI is to broaden diversity in film criticism across the Pacific and use influencer branding strategies to spark career opportunities. The 2024 HOCCI is supported by Critical Minded, a grant-making and learning initiative that supports cultural critics of color in the United States.
