The Wild Wind Film Festival

Dear Friends, Supporters, Sponsors, and Filmmakers,

The Wild Wind Film Fest was a wild idea. Literally born out of a random comment by Michaela in our kitchen, one sunny Hood River day. I (Kimmy) ran with it and, through crowdfunding and sponsor support, we brought it to life. It was magical that first year. So many people fell in love with the films (yes, even the full 25 minutes of Robby Naish), and we met our goal of bringing people together and elevating North American windsports. 

But this last year was a little different. We didn’t get the film submissions we had hoped for. We really only need 6-8 good films to run this event, but we only had three original films submitted. The biggest success was pushing Zoe Trudeau to make her first film. I think I fell even more in love with the story at each screening. I sincerely believe we put on a great show despite the lack of submissions. We screened a few old favorites and some ineligible-to-win films. It was a great time. 

However, it was very discouraging. The one piece we don’t have any control over for this event is people making and submitting films. Without a strong roster of films, we can’t put on this event, and unfortunately, we can’t make anyone make films (or we would).

With the outcome of 2025 and the other things we have on our plates for 2026, Michaela and I have made the difficult decision to cancel the film fest going forward. I know many people have put their hearts and souls into this project, and for that, I am grateful. It was a fun ride for sure. 

Cheers,

Kimmy and Michaela 

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following people for their support:

• Slingshot Sports and Elliot Tauscher

• Ride Engine and Gary Siskar

• Kevin Wade and Action Sports Logistics

• AWSI

• Vadim Polonsky and Green Hate Kiteboarding

• Columbia Gorge Wind and Water Association 

• All of our filmmakers

• Venues that hosted us including Urban Surf, Kite Paddle Surf, The Ruins, and more.

• The fantastic judges over both years

• Event volunteers who made it happen, especially Zach Draper

Open to wingers, foilers, downwind SUPers, kiters, windsurfers, landboarders, and anyone else playing in the wind.

2025 Award Winners

- Grand Prize $1000 : Thin Air
- Runner Up $500 : Winds of Vitality
- Under 18 $500 : Chapters 1-3 of Winging It With Zoe
- Audience Choice $500 : Thin Air

2025 Finalists

Thin Air featuring Michaela Pilkenton

Chapters 1-3 of Winging It With Zoe featuring Zoe Trudeau

Winds of Vitality featuring Adam Locke, Debby Jackson, Shaun Jackson, Tracey Kurilla, Julie Zahnister

2024 Award Winners

- Grand Prize $1000 : Rugged Roots
- Runner Up $500 : WILD
- All Female $500 : Rugged Roots
- Under 18 $500 : WILD
- Audience Choice $500 : Rugged Roots

2024 Finalists

WILD featuring Zac Adams

The River featuring Ewan Jaspan

CASH South Africa featuring Cash Berzolla (exhibition only)

Wind Bound: Charleston’s Women Kiteboarders Featuring Syd Meyer, Jenny Amram, Natalie Coleman

The Next Gen Maui Watermen featuring Robby Naish, Austin Kalama, Koa Fabbio

and Rugged Roots featuring Michaela Pilkenton