FROM TARKWA BAY TO HOLLYWOOD: NIGERIAN SURF DOCUMENTARY ‘BEYOND TARKWA BAY’ CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES AT PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD PREMIERE

LOS ANGELES, CA – February 19, 2026 – The World Premiere of Beyond Tarkwa Bay, directed by transnational filmmaker Peter Oke, concluded its screening block at the 2026 Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) this week to widespread industry acclaim. The documentary, which centers on the indigenous surfers of Lagos fighting against displacement, boldly challenges the historical “foreign gaze” that has long shaped surf cinema, drawing packed audiences and cross-disciplinary praise.

Screening in the coveted primetime slot at The Culver Theatre, the film attracted significant attention from festival heavyweights and industry veterans, including actor Jimmy Jean-Louis and former Motown producer William Stevenson. The audience response was overwhelmingly directed toward the film’s protagonist, Abraham, affirming the filmmakers’ decision to grant full narrative agency to the youth of Tarkwa Bay rather than rely on an external narrator.

The documentary’s emotional and artistic resonance extended well beyond the screening room, generating strong reactions from both industry professionals and members of the African diaspora. The film’s portrayal of resistance, resilience, and youth agency struck a particularly powerful chord, reinforcing the urgency of its message.

“For about 60 years, the ‘Endless Summer effect’ has treated African surfers as background extras in their own oceans,” said Director Peter Oke. “We set out to dismantle that lens. To see this story resonate so deeply with film executives and diaspora audiences proves that when marginalized communities are given the agency to tell their own stories, the impact is universal.”

Echoing this sentiment of transnational connection and local empowerment, Co-Producer Rume Onosode added, “Premiering at PAFF was truly an unforgettable experience. It is a special privilege for our work to be internationally validated, and this will significantly expand the opportunities to positively impact Nigerian youth and the Tarkwa Bay community.”

As Beyond Tarkwa Bay continues its 2026 festival circuit, the production team is shifting focus toward additional festival selections while actively channeling the momentum from the Los Angeles premiere back to the Tarkwa Bay community to support Abraham’s ongoing journey.