SKATE & SURF FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO MILAN WITH AN EXCLUSIVE NEW EDITION

June 21-22 2025
East End Studios – Via Mecenate 88/A, Milan

On June 21 and 22, 2025, the Skate & Surf Film Festival returns to Milan for the ninth edition of this acclaimed event. This year, the festival takes place in the iconic East End Studios in Via Mecenate for two full days of skateboarding and surfing, with screenings, art, music, and many new features.

This year, the festival takes over the iconic East End Studios on Via Mecenate for two unforgettable days celebrating skate and surf culture — with film screenings, art installations, live music, and plenty of new activities.

After last year’s success—drawing over 30,000 visitors—the festival, promoted by Onde Nostre and supported by Vans, is launching a much-anticipated new collaboration with East Market, a long-standing Milanese institution and a symbol of independent creativity and urban culture. A natural synergy that further enhances the audience experience and reaffirms the event as a key reference point for the skate and surf culture and community. Its alignment with Go Skateboarding Day adds a layer of excitement to the festival by bringing together some of the most prominent athletes, visionary filmmakers, and trailblazing creatives from the global scene.

As always, the festival's heart lies in its film competition, showcasing the best skate and surf films and documentaries from around the world, selected by artistic director Luca Merli and co-founder Davide Martinazzo, which will make-up the rich programming of the two-day event.

The jury for 2025 includes: Paul Labadie – legendary French filmmaker and artistic director for Antiz Skateboards' Antizipated series, Federico Tognoli – a key figure in Brescia’s underground skate scene and founder of Frisco skateshop, Matteo Ferrari – co-founder of Onde Nostre, professional photographer and surfer with over 40 years’ experience, was also a contributor for Surf Latino and Freezer magazines.

The judges will evaluate each film to award the Best Surf Film, Best Skate Film, and the prestigious Grand Jury Prize.

BEYOND THE FESTIVAL: EXHIBITIONS, WORKSHOPS, SPECIAL AREAS, AND THE ICONIC VANS SKATE CONTEST

The film competition is just one of the many features that make the SSFF unique. Alongside the screenings, visitors will enjoy an extensive visual art exhibition with installations, photography, and performances exploring the history and evolution of skate and surf culture in Italy and worldwide. This year's highlights will include an analog retrospective by photographer Beatrice Sugliani, iconic shots of waves and surfboards showcased by Christian Corradin and Valentina Flores Dorio's Travel To Publish Gallery, visionary graphics by Pawel Swanski, collectible boards by Gianluca Mariani, and local productions by Milan-based skate crew Chef Family.

SSFF 2025 also offers a rich program of workshops and activities designed to engage audiences of all ages in creative and fully immersive experiences.

Alongside the ramps and obstacles designed for the riding sessions and skate school promoted by Pinbowl Skatepark, the highly anticipated skate contest by Vans returns with a double date: Saturday at 7:30 p.m. will feature a trick battle on the main ramp, while Sunday starting at 7 p.m. the festival will feature a street competition inside the Stage Area.

Other attractions include:

• Game area by FILLER, offering custom carnival-style games;
• Screen printing station by DIY art lab SUBSERI;
• Kodak partnership, hosting a free lecture: “Analogue Filmmaking in the Digital Age” and hands-on workshop;
• Upcycling lab by Cotopaxi;
• Tattoo corner in collaboration with Propaganda Tattoo Temple;

Vans, the festival’s main sponsor, will host visitors in a dedicated space with exclusive Vans Family experiences and a pop-up store featuring the latest Skate and Classics collections.

The thrift lovers can explore a special East Market x SSFF edition, offering a curated selection of vintage and design brands. A food & beverage truck area will complete the atmosphere.

AN EXCEPTIONAL MUSIC LINEUP TAKES THE FESTIVAL STAGE

True to the Festival's tradition, music will once again take center stage this year from the afternoon until late at night, with a mix of live bands and DJ sets.

Saturday, June 21 will be pure energy with an exclusive lineup curated by Built to Blast, bringing the best of the Venetian punk and metal scene to Milan. Performers include: The Frog, Confine, Slug Gore, Ozone Dehumanizer. Closing out the first night will be DJ TY1, an icon of Italian turntablism, with a DJ set that promises to keep everyone dancing until the end.

Sunday, June 22 will spotlight local DJs playing from afternoon until midnight with the perfect soundtrack to end the weekend in style.