The Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), in partnership with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, is hosting a film screening of the award-winning The Cigarette Surfboard at the historic Pioneer Theater in Manteo on April 17, 2025. The film screening is part of CSI’s ongoing Science on the Sound, a monthly series that brings together perspectives from across the state and highlights coastal topics in North Carolina and beyond.
A pre-screening party will begin in the Pioneer Theater courtyard at 5:00 p.m., featuring a food truck and beverages available for purchase. The hand-shaped cigarette surfboards made from over 10,000 littered cigarette butts, will be on display during the pre-party, and attendees will have a chance to meet filmmaker Ben Judkins and surfboard shaper Taylor Lane. The film screening will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a short Q&A with the filmmaker and shaper. Admission to the event is free; however seating is limited, and the public must register in advance.
Jack Johnson (Musician & Former Professional Surfer) with a Cigarette Surfboard.
The Cigarette Surfboard takes viewers around the world on a surfboard built from cigarette butts to explore the importance of the ocean and what an inspiring cast of professional surfers are doing to protect it. The film is solution-driven with an optimistic outlook for the future of our planet – it sparks a dialogue, encouraging audiences to explore how they can take action in their personal lives and local communities. Surfing is the medium, but the message is universal.
Ben Judkins is an independent documentary filmmaker and avid surfer, passionate about protecting the marine environment through visual storytelling. The Cigarette Surfboard is his feature-length documentary directorial debut. The film has garnered international attention on the film festival circuit, screening at more than 25 reputable festivals around the world in 2024, winning “Best Feature Documentary” at Richmond International Film Festival and Waco Independent Film Festival, and receiving Audience Awards at Bend Film Festival and Cambridge Film Festival.
Taylor Lane building a cigarette surfboard.
Tevita Gukilau surfing a Cigarette Surfboard in Fiji.
Based at the Coastal Studies Institute (CSI), the North Carolina Renewable Ocean Energy Program (NCROEP) advances inter-disciplinary marine energy solutions across UNC System partner colleges of engineering at NC State University, UNC Charlotte, and NC A&T University. Click on the links below for more information.
ECU's Integrated Coastal Programs (ECU ICP) is a leader in coastal and marine research, education, and engagement. ECU ICP includes the Coastal Studies Institute, ECU's Department of Coastal Studies, and ECU Diving and Water Safety.
The ECU Outer Banks campus is home to the Coastal Studies Institute.
