Jeffreys Bay is globally known for its wild sea waves that occur on its shore. And the new film, ‘Feeling J-Bay’ zooms in on the people behind the paradise that considers – artisans, athletes, street vendors and families who have shaped the most iconic surf town of South Africa.
But what defines a world-class surf destination is not just swell – it’s their stories. Talking about this, a powerful reminder comes up as places don’t rise on tourism alone. They thrive because of the community that sustains them.
Movie – Feeling J-Bay by Corona Studios premiered at WSL’s 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay in Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape – a poetic tribute to the town, waves and people that shaped coastal surf culture.
Long before J-Bay became a world tour stop, it was just a farm town with perfect waves. And now it is one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations and the subject of a new film by Corona Studios. As it was launched during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay.
The short documentary titled – Feeling J-Bay, 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.
Screening of the movie Feeling J-Bay took place at Casa Corona and premiered as part of Corona’s 100-year celebration and the new global 0.0% alcohol beer partnership with the World Surf League (WSL). This overlooked Supertubes, which is the legendary wave that built the town and sits at the heart of the film.
The film was shot in and around the famous point break of Jeffreys Bay. Feeling J-Bay’s aerial shots, historical surf clips and intimate interviews with locals, legends and artists into a visual meditation on the waves and the people who lived and surfed its story.
Professional Surfer – Joshe Faulkner shared his story in the film and said that he grew up with these waves. He shared, “I grew up with this wave right outside my door. It taught me everything – discipline, joy, belief and everything.”
He further said that seeing stories like this reminds him that J-Bay is bigger than any surfer. It’s a feeling that belongs to all of them.
Director Peri vP also features voices and visuals in the movie from across the past and present of the town, including surf industry pioneers Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mike February and writer-freediver Amal Perrotin.
Peri said that with this film, the goal really was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives. According to the movie Director, it is an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.
Corona South Africa (Head of the Brand) – Melanie Nicholson said that there are few breaks on earth that carry the soul of surfing like Jeffreys Bay. He added that they celebrate a century of Corona and 130 years of South African Breweries, the film is an invitation to reconnect with nature, community and golden-hour moments that remind them they fell in love with the ocean in the first place.
The movie also features Corona content creator and surf coach – Wade Schouw, who empowers people through surf and skate culture.
The premiere of the movie welcomed Mayor of Kouga Municipality – Hattingh Bornman, MC and Media personality – Joe Turpel, WSL Athletes – Caitlin Simmers, and local cultural leaders – Gabriela Bryan and Italo Ferreira, this moved to the shoreline for a traditional Xhosa blessing and dance ceremony, setting the tone for the week ahead.
Head Melanie Nicholson said that their love for Jeffreys Bay goes beyond the film. For them 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 their way of giving back to a town that has given so much to the world of surfing.
Watch Feeling J-Bay documentary here: