Finalist
Surfing Hippos - Gabon’s Jungle Beach
Surfavad jõehobud - Gaboni džunglirand
2026
Entry 26-814 | Germany | 2026 | 50’ | Language: English | Subtitles: Estonian
On the coast of Gabon, the rainforest of the Congo Basin meets the Atlantic Ocean. At this rare frontier, animals normally hidden deep in the jungle gather on the beach. Forest elephants, antelopes, monkeys and hippos – some even entering the surf – come in search of food, minerals, shelter, or relief from parasites. By night, the shoreline becomes a cradle of life, shaped by rhythms thousands of years old. But ocean currents now carry plastic waste to one of Africa’s last untouched shores. Surfing Hippos explores this fragile ecosystem, where ancient natural cycles collide with modern threats.
Director
Yann Sochaczewski, Marlen Hundertmark
| Cinematography
Marlen Hundertmark, Pim Niesten
| Editing
Mirco Tribanek
| Composer
Oliver Heuss, Michael Rother, Steffen Brinkmann
| Producer
Yann Sochaczewski
| Production Company
Altayfilm GmbH
| Distributor
Albatross World Sales
| Original Title
Surfing Hippos - Gabon’s Jungle Beach
2026
Best Editing goes to a film that skilfully pieces together shots of animals - big and small - running, lying down, jumping, or even… surfing.
| Director | Yann Sochaczewski, Marlen Hundertmark |
| Cinematography | Marlen Hundertmark, Pim Niesten |
| Editing | Mirco Tribanek |
| Composer | Oliver Heuss, Michael Rother, Steffen Brinkmann |
| Producer | Yann Sochaczewski |
| Production Company | Altayfilm GmbH |
| Distributor | Albatross World Sales |
| Original Title | Surfing Hippos - Gabon’s Jungle Beach |
| Entry Number | 26-814 |
| Country of Production |
Germany
|
| Year of Production | 2026 |
| Running Time | 50’ |
| Language: | English |
| Subtitles: | Estonian |
