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The Cigarette Surfboard (2024)

May 11, 2024 (US) Documentary • 93m

Overview

Impassioned surfer Taylor Lane builds a functional surfboard with 10,000 cigarette butts collected from California beaches. The Cigarette Surfboard becomes a platform to learn from professional surfers who are working to protect the ocean, and the symbol of a grassroots campaign to hold Big Tobacco accountable for their toxic, plastic waste. Surfing is the medium, but the message is universal.

Director

Ben Judkins

Writer

Top Billed

Taylor Lane

Keywords

Top Billed Cast

Crew
Ben Judkins
Ben Judkins

Director of Photography

Marisla Foundation
Marisla Foundation

Executive Producer

Suszi Sutherland
Suszi Sutherland

Executive Producer

Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach
Jacob Bloomfield-Misrach

Supervising Sound Editor

Greg Francis
Greg Francis

Sound Mixer

William Sammons
William Sammons

Sound Designer

Anthony Di Marco
Anthony Di Marco

Dialogue Editor

Greg Francis
Greg Francis

Dialogue Editor

Isaac Olsen
Isaac Olsen

Dialogue Editor

Michel Holbrook
Michel Holbrook

Audio Post Coordinator

Kai Killion
Kai Killion

Production Assistant

Mike Heffernan
Mike Heffernan

Production Assistant

Katie Rodriguez
Katie Rodriguez

Production Assistant

Manuel Tsingaris
Manuel Tsingaris

Editorial Consultant



Reviews

maxlandon449

June 8, 2026

The Cigarette surfboard is a passionate documentary style film depicting some of the ugly truths of the tobacco industry, butts. Taylor and Ben bring us through a gorgeous cinematic experience leading us all around the world, introducing us to scientists and athletes, but ultimately driving real policy change.

gwenmitch

June 9, 2026

Such an Inspiration!
I first saw this film at my MiraCosta college late last year! I got to speak to Ben and see two of the boards featured in the film, which was super cool. I was recommended to go to the showing by my Geology teacher at the time and I am so thankful that I did. This film not only educated me on conservation, but inspired me to further my education in environmental sustainability and deepen my overall involvement in the surf co… read the rest.

Chris2526

⭐ 10/10

June 12, 2026

I had the opportunity to view this impactful documentary in San Francisco (October 2025) and since then we dedicate 2 hours every Saturday for beach clean- up as well as ad hoc ciggy butt refuse collections. This beautifully filmed movie has an important message that needs to be seen worldwide!

jonj7

⭐ 10/10

June 14, 2026

This film left me feeling motivated to go out and make changes in the world; so inspiring and incredibly beautiful. The various characters were woven together in a cohesive and thoughtful way, the cinematography was dialed, and the message was powerful. Highly recommended if you're looking for something to entertain and inspire you.

mamagartz

⭐ 10/10

June 16, 2026

Young or old, surfer or not, you will find the story line, film quality, musical score and urgent messages of this documentary to be uplifting and inspirational, even while focusing on a terrible environmental pollution problem: cigarette butts are the most toxic discarded items in the world. The film is at once exhilarating and calming, educational and empowering. It is just the kick in the pants I needed to take action to benefit the ocean's an… read the rest.

June 17, 2026

I found this movie extremely inspirational. Even though I have different interests and concerns than those expressed in the movie, it still motivated me to go out and do something to address those areas of environmental issues in which I am interested. Beyond that,the film was beautifully made, engrossing, there are our many moments of humor and joy, and I loved the incredibly professional and clean editing and the music. I would recommend this t… read the rest.

margaman

June 17, 2026

I saw this movie at the Green Film Festival of San Francisco Oct 2024, and it was super inspirating and motivating. For surfers and non-surfers alike, it is a beautiful film and engaging story! Motivated me to spend my mornings picking up trash at my local beach and push for more legislation to curb waste ending up in our watersheds and ocean. Highly recommend watching it!!

hannahescalante

June 18, 2026

I watched this film during my junior year of college in Charleston on September 25 2025. I've never surfed, but I am an advocate for environmental justice. As someone who is studying to not only protect and save our Earth but also to better the communication between communities for sustainability, this film was so genuinely beautiful and meaningful. Every single second. Culture is what brings us together - and I think learning from each other and… read the rest.

jbrimmeier

⭐ 10/10

June 18, 2026

My school hosted this film and was impressed with how well it's done. It's entertaining and informative without being preachy. The story of Taylor and the journey of the surfboard is inspiring.

Loved this film. Thoughtful and just look at ecology and beach culture. I would encourage anyone interested to watch!

Dawn380

⭐ 10/10

June 18, 2026

I first saw this film almost 2 years ago at the Scottsdale Film Festival here in Arizona. I found it to be informative, engaging, and a call to action in protecting a natural resource, our beaches. You don't have to be a surfer to be caught up in the surfing artistry of this film, but it does have you cheering for the surfboard!

callumsn8

⭐ 10/10

June 19, 2026

I loved this film. I was fortunate to see it at a screening at UNCA in Asheville NC. The film was a beautiful combination of a young man's personal story to clean up the beach and make a difference in his community, and an expose on the tobacco industry, combined with glorious footage of beautiful ocean environments. I'm not a surfer, but I felt like I could feel the ease and flow of surfing in this film. The combination of care for community and… read the rest.

hmjangar

⭐ 10/10

June 19, 2026

I saw The Cigarette Surfboard at the Crested Butte Film Festival in August 2024. This film is inspiring, funny, and entertaining. I was honestly surprised that Netflix, Hulu, or another major streaming platform hadn't picked it up immediately. I highly recommend The Cigarette Surfboard to anyone looking for a feel-good film that is both uplifting and enjoyable to watch

milesmunding

June 19, 2026

The Cigarette Surfboard is one of the best documentaries I have seen. As a surfer, I loved watching world-class surfers ride incredible waves around the world. As an environmental educator, I also appreciated its simple but powerful message: taking ownership of the small actions we can all make to reduce our impact on the ocean.

In a world filled with daunting environmental challenges, it is encouraging to be reminded that meaningful change ca… read the rest.

jessswigs

⭐ 10/10

June 19, 2026

At a time when doom and gloom stories are all too common, The Cigarette Surfboard is a breath of fresh air. We need films like this that keep communities inspired and hopeful as we build the more beautiful world we all know is possible. I came upon the film at Wild & Scenic Film Festival in Nevada City, CA and had the pleasure of meeting the filmmaker as well (plus got a photo with the famous ciggy surfboard!) You can tell when a creator cares de… read the rest.

kluongo

⭐ 10/10

June 22, 2026

I screened this film for about 50 of my students during our Sustainability Awareness Week, and I have nothing but positive feedback. As a piece of art, this film truly stands on its own, with breathtaking cinematography that highlights the exhilarating nature of surfing and the connection that us humans have with nature. The cinematography and movement of the camera imbue The Cigarette Surfboard with an aesthetic gravitas that signifies that impo… read the rest.

n1silva

June 22, 2026

I am a public health professional working in tobacco education. I had the opportunity to watch the film last April in Sacramento (on an IMAX screen!). This documentary showed a piece of how the filmmakers' activism can lead to a monumental policy change that often takes us in the field decades to pass. Art has a unique way of depicting the challenges in our communities, but I say a piece because Taylor and Ben are still going. They have put a lot… read the rest.

jennayarm6

⭐ 10/10

June 22, 2026

The Cigarette Surfboard was an awesome surfing film as well as an intriguing look into activism and how a small idea can turn into something that can inspire people and make change. It was so interesting to see this creative solution to such a large problem and how a small piece of trash can be taken off the beaches and turned into these beautiful surfboards which are works of art. There is so much care, passion, and dedication to this project an… read the rest.

Anna1490

⭐ 10/10

June 23, 2026

I cannot express how often I recommend this film to others! It is truly inspiring and shows how anyone can make a difference in their community, even by addressing something that may seem as small as tobacco waste. Having the Cigarette Surfboard team visit our small, rural county was an incredible experience. Their passion, determination, and creativity left audience members feeling inspired and ready to make positive changes in their own communi… read the rest.

Chinwin7

⭐ 10/10

June 24, 2026

I saw The Cigarette Surfboard at a screening hosted by the College of Coastal Georgia in Spring 2025, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Ben Judkins and Ciggy Board creator Taylor Lane. The documentary is inspiring and engaging, transforming an environmental problem into an innovative solution. The passion behind the project is evident throughout the film, and its message encourages viewers to think about how small actions can create meaningful cha… read the rest.

timhussin

June 24, 2026

I saw the film at a special screening at UNCA Asheville. I left feeling incredibly inspired by the activist passion from all the people in the film, including the director himself. We all can take home lessons from this film, surfer or not!

rhaflich

⭐ 10/10

June 24, 2026

I saw this film in Anchorage, Alaska in December 2024 and was blown away. The lineup is impressive — Jack Johnson, Cliff Kapono, Easkey Britton, among others. None of them feel like celebrity cameos. These are people who are in the ocean every day and notice firsthand when something's wrong — algae blooms, plastic, all of it. Their perspectives give the film a lot of its heart, and by the end I truly believed that surfers might actually be unique… read the rest.

merge55

June 24, 2026

This movie is both inspiring and timely. It's how a small gesture can turn into a movement! Ben Judkins, the director, and the cast do a beautiful job advocating for better laws and ordinances to help keep our beaches clean. The film is both important and entertaining. You don't need to be a surfer to get immersed in the film. It's a must see!

suejeansung

June 24, 2026

Nothing like policy change and surfing, my two favorite things, coming hand in hand to inspire a movement. Thank you to Ben and Taylor for the compelling, informative documentary!

borr13

⭐ 10/10

June 25, 2026

A really inspiring and eye opening movie. It showcased a really innovative way of activism that spotlights cigarette pollution and littering that truly affects every beach in the world! I saw this documentary at a screening at UNCA last Fall and it's message has stuck with me ever since.

ianjkavanaugh

June 29, 2026

A beautifully shot, engaging, and, most of all - just a genuinely FUN film with an important message. Following the journey of the ciggy board around the world introduces you to so many different perspectives on environmentalism and what taking action can look like. Watching those lessons, practices, and ideas come together—and then get brought back home to tackle the issue locally—makes for a really compelling story. It left me thinking about wh… read the rest.

cpadon3

June 29, 2026

The Cigarette Surfboard is an engaging and inspiring documentary. The cinematography beautifully captures both the surfing culture and the natural landscapes they strive to protect. The film is as visually compelling as it is thought-provoking. Bravo!

samstonereviews

July 1, 2026

This film captures the profundity of following a single thread, doggedly, into a tangle of deep and surprising places. Half love letter to the sea, half celebration of the human heart—this film makes the case for greeting world-sized problems with playful ingenuity rather than despair. Do yourself a favor and watch it!

PatLopez

⭐ 9/10

July 2, 2026

I saw this film in April of 2025 when the filmmaker, Ben Judkins, brought it in person, along with some actual ciggy surfboards, to our little community college in Northeast Arizona. We screened it out to multiple campuses across the college and got a really good response. Students were excited and engaged with the film. It has science, it has a message about the environment, and, just like the filmmaker and his main subject, it has a big heart. … read the rest.

tnevins

⭐ 10/10

July 5, 2026

I was lucky to see a showing of this film in Santa Cruz a couple of years ago. I was mesmerized by the cinematography; the settings and filming were incredible. I was fascinated by the construction and beauty of the surfboards made from cigarette butts collected on the beach. And that's where the power of the film lies. The filmmakers wove a compelling story of impact and advocacy for removing toxic cigarette butts from our environment. The worl… read the rest.

jtjtjtjtjtjtjtjtjtjtjtjt

⭐ 10/10

July 5, 2026

Saw this at the 2024 Nevada City Wild and Scenic Film Festival and it was the standout film of the whole festival. It such a beautiful movie both visually and story-wise. The activism and passion for the environment and their craft was inspiring.

Issadorahg

July 8, 2026

Amazing! This film will stick with you and change how you see the world. It definitly changed my view of the world and how if we work together we can create change. Helping better the world is something we all need to do and this film portrays it beautifully.

mitchellpeery

July 8, 2026

Saw this at the Richmond Film Festival. Not only was the movie inspiring, but Ben's own personal story and drive to get as many eyes on this movie as possible also inspires me to make films as well.

brookehop

⭐ 10/10

July 9, 2026

beautifully done, including the message, the visuals, the interviews, and the story altogether. went to a screening at my college and they were clearly so passionate about this project. loved it!

danuel1313

⭐ 10/10

July 10, 2026

Watched this film a year and a half ago at the balboa theater in San Francisco right after I surfed at Ocean Beach. It was insipirational and made me want to go surfing again right after the movie was over. Thats a good surf movie to me. Whether you're into surfing or not, there's something here everyone can appreciate.

Deziel606

July 11, 2026

A both insperational and bittersweet film on the impact of humans with our dependency on simple one use trashes, and how we can do better.

abiibarra

⭐ 10/10

July 11, 2026

An amazing film that is short and powerful. With scenes across the world with popular professional surfers, this film has beautiful scenes paired with important environmental messages.

July 12, 2026

As a long time surfer and current resident of OBX NC I appreciate the initiative of the Jack, Taylor and Crew in creation of the Cigarette Surfboard and entertaining presentation to emphasize the value of clean oceans especially when it comes to long term adverse impacts of cigarette butts. Not to mention the health risks of smoking. We viewed the film last year at the Pioneer Theater in Manteo including the discussion and meeting the Cast. Th… read the rest.

remzim18

⭐ 10/10

July 13, 2026

I had the chance to watch the Cigarette Surfboard in Asheville, North Carolina, at UNCA. It was an inspiring, beautiful documentary for ocean lovers, planet earth lovers, and lovers of creativity. I highly recommend watching it!

KristineJensen

⭐ 9/10

July 14, 2026

We showcased "The Cigarette Surfboard" in our Encircle Films documentary series. Everyone in the audience loved it, and it is a great way to start a discussion about how each of us can make a positive impact in our communities. Very inspiring and engaging!

jenerics2004

⭐ 10/10

July 16, 2026

Please consider The Cigarette Surfboard next time you are planning a screening event. The film is so well done, and the Ben Judkins and Taylor Lane duo is a force. Their passion around ocean and environmental issues is well represented in this film, and their successes both on and off the screen speak volumes! Not only is the film one that is beautifully crafted with gorgeous scenery and a nod to vintage surfing films, but the story and impact th… read the rest.

Status

Released

Original Language

EN

Budget

Revenue

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