The Corona Studios film Feeling J’Bay premiered during the event’s opening ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
This short documentary highlights the essence of Jeffreys Bay, one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations, as it explores the community’s connection to the famed Supertubes break.
Featuring local legends, surfers, and artists, the film celebrates the history, culture, and beauty of the area, intertwining aerial shots, personal stories, and powerful imagery. Directed by Peri vP, Feeling J’Bay is an ode to the wave and the people who have shaped its story.
WHAT THE FILM IS ABOUT
Long before it became a world tour stop, Jeffreys Bay was just a farm town with perfect waves. Today, it’s one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations – and the subject of a new film by Corona Studios, launched during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay.
Titled Feeling J’Bay, the short documentary is less about surfing and more about what happens when nature, identity, and community come together. From dolphins threading the backline at sunrise to the sound of hand-carved boards hitting water, the film captures the spirit of a place where time slows and life feels lighter.
Premiered as part of Corona’s 100-year celebration and new global 0.0% alcohol beer partnership with the World Surf League (WSL), the screening took place at Casa Corona, overlooking Supertubes the legendary wave that built the town and sits at the heart of the film.
Shot in and around Jeffreys Bay’s famed point break, Feeling J’Bay weaves aerial shots, historical surf clips, and intimate interviews with locals, legends, and artists into a visual meditation on the wave — and the people who have lived and surfed its story.
“I grew up with this wave right outside my door. It taught me everything — discipline, joy, belief,” said professional surfer Joshe Faulkner who shares his story in the film. “Seeing our stories told like this reminds me that J-Bay is bigger than any one surfer. It’s a feeling that belongs to all of us.”
Directed by Peri vP, the film also features voices and visuals from across the town’s past and present, including surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February, and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin.
“With this film, the goal really was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives,” said Peri “It’s an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.”
“There are few breaks on earth that carry the soul of surfing like Jeffreys Bay,” said Melanie Nicholson, Head of Brand, Corona South Africa.
“As we celebrate a century of Corona and 130 years of South African Breweries, this film is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community and those golden-hour moments that remind us why we fell in love with the ocean in the first place.”
Also featured is Corona content creator and surf coach Wade Schouw, who empowers people through surf and skate culture.
Following the premiere, guests – including Kouga Municipality Mayor Hattingh Bornman, MC and WSL commentator Paul Evans, WSL athletes Caitlin Simmers, Gabriela Bryan and Italo Ferreira, and local cultural leaders – moved to the shoreline for a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting the tone for the week ahead.
“Our love for Jeffreys Bay goes beyond the film,” added Melanie Nicholson. “Every aspect of the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has been shaped with the community, not just for it — from surf workshop partnerships to local vendor collaborations. This is our way of giving back to a town that’s given so much to the surfing world.”
WHAT WOULD YOU RATE THE ‘FEELING J’BAY’ FILM?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
