Waves of wisdom
This documentary was filmed in June during my trip to South America over several days of shooting, primarily at the WSL (World Surf League) competition held from June 12th to 15th. Special thanks to Matias and his father, Leandro Maturano, for the interview and the incredible days we shared!
I first met Matias in Lobitos, a small surf town on the northern coast of Peru known for its long, peeling waves. He’s originally from Argentina, but Peru has been his home for years — a place where his connection to the ocean runs deep. At the time, a longboard competition had brought surfers from all over to this quiet stretch of coast, and Matias was one of the standout names on the roster. His reputation preceded him; in the longboarding world, he’s already well known, admired for his smooth style and competitive edge.
We got talking between heats, and he told me about his ambitions to one day compete in the Olympics. It was clear that his passion for the sport goes far beyond the competitions — it’s a way of life, a discipline he’s constantly refining. That mix of humble determination and raw talent made me want to capture his story in a more lasting way. So I followed him through the event, filming his rides, his preparation, and those quiet moments that happen away from the crowd, where his focus and connection to the waves are almost tangible.
Over the days we spent together, the project became more than just documenting a competition. It turned into an exploration of who Matias is as an athlete and as a person — someone deeply rooted in surf culture, but also pushing forward with big dreams and the skill to match. Watching him ride and hearing his perspective on the sport was inspiring, and the experience left me with not just great footage, but a deeper respect for longboarding and the people who dedicate their lives to it.
