The UB Interview: Director David Mesfin Talks ‘Wade in the Water’ | Black Surfing

Comcast has premiered the award–winning documentary, “Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture,” a film that dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture.

Available now on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity channel, and the Xumo Play free streaming app.

Directed by David Mesfin, an award-winning creative director and multidisciplinary designer, the film dives into the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing.

Through a blend of historical accounts and modern-day testimonials, “Wade in the Water” explores the rich, often overlooked, legacy of Black surfing and pays tribute to its current movement, inspiring a new generation of Black surfers.

The documentary’s journey across the globe has not only garnered critical acclaim but has also sparked conversations about diversity and inclusion within aquatic sports.

David‘s directorial debut shines a light on the vibrant yet underrepresented world of Black surfing, offering viewers an insightful and moving narrative that challenges the status quo.

The film’s release represents a pioneering step towards a community-based and disruptive independent film distribution model. By making “Wade in the Water” accessible to a global audience, David Mesfin’s team hopes to continue the dialogue on Black aquatic culture, provide opportunities for surf and outdoor Black communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

Aries from UB, chatted with director David Mesfin about the new doc, “Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture.”

David tells us about the history of Black surfing and speaks on racism associated with it in certain areas.

Plus David shares advice to the new generation of Black surfers, plus he talks about the creative illustrations seen through the documentary and more.