The Inevitable Return
is a short documentary film that explores the history of how military technology and atomic testing became entangled in contemporary surfing amongst the beaches of the San Diego area. Using vΓ©ritΓ© footage and animation, the film follows Shuuluk, a Kumeyaay surfer, who interacts daily with the resulting effects and complexities of occupation on his land and in his sport, and reclaims it as a practice of joy, play, and connection.
π Jury Award Winner π Honolulu Museum of Art
Director Zachary Zezima
Starring Shuuluk Leo-Retz
Producers Zachary Zezima, Shuuluk Leo-Retz, Dina Gilio-Whitaker & Marc Chavez
Consulting Producer Jonna McKone
Water Photography Jacob Pickett, Chase Viken & Nova West
Music Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Sound Fox Schwach
Made following the Documentary Accountability Working Groupβs Framework for Values, Ethics & Accountability in Nonfiction Filmmaking β zack@zacharyzezima.com
SCREENINGS 2025
July 19th & 31st
Honolulu Surf Film Festival, HawaiΚ»i
July 18th - 27th
Portuguese Surf Film Festival, Ericeira, Portugal
July 25th
Sunshine Brooks Theater, Oceanside CA
August 2nd
Digital Gym, San Diego CA
August 30th
Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles CA
October 1st - 5th
International Tour Film Festival, Rome, Italy
October 11th
Stoke Sessions, San Diego State University