Welcome to The Temple of Surf Podcast, where we sit down with the voices shaping surf culture through art, film, creativity, and narrative.

In this episode, we're joined by Luca Merli — a filmmaker, creative director, photographer, and the founder of the Skate & Surf Film Festival (SSFF). Luca's work blends surf and skate culture with visual storytelling, exploring how waves, movement, and human experience come together through film and imagery. Growing up immersed in surf culture and later driving international surf film festivals, Luca brings a unique perspective on creativity, community, and the power of visual narrative.

From the origins of SSFF to his experiences bringing surf and skate stories to screens around the world, Luca shares what inspires his craft, how he approaches storytelling, and why surf culture matters beyond the lineup.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Luca's journey into filmmaking and surf/skate culture

• Founding and curating the Skate & Surf Film Festival (SSFF)

• The creative process of storytelling through surf and skate films

• How visuals connect communities and preserve surf culture

• Personal insights on adventure, creativity, and ocean life

This episode is perfect for surfers, filmmakers, artists, creatives, and anyone who loves surf culture expressed through art, film, and experiences that connect us to the ocean.

Subscribe to The Temple of Surf Podcast for weekly conversations with surfers, shapers, photographers, filmmakers, historians, and culture makers.

Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major audio platforms.

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