Review of Maya and the Wave 2022 – Highlighting the Brazilian surfer’s victory against a tide of Sexism

Date: October 13 2024
Location: Nazaré, Portugal

Maya and the Wave is a documentary film

Ten years in the making, @mayanadthewave tells the story of Maya

Gabeira, who dreamed of surfing the world’s biggest wave, to challenge and surf the largest wave in the world at Nazaré, Portugal..

After a near-fatal experience and facing ridicule and rejection from the male-dominated big wave surfing community, Maya underwent three spinal surgeries over the course of five years.

Maya conquers physical, mental, and societal challenges to carve her name in the history of big wave surfing.

A festival favorite at the Toronto Film Festival and beyond, this documentary captures her incredible journey. »

Eventually, she succeeded in riding the biggest wave ever surfed by a woman.
When the World Surf League fails to acknowledge her achievement, Maya fiercely advocates for herself, ultimately earning recognition as the first female surfer to receive a Guinness World Record.

Maya Gabeira

Maya Gabeira has encountered tremendous obstacles throughout her life, including the daunting challenge of navigating monumental waves and the constant risk to her safety.

This Brazilian big-wave surfer is at the center of the Oscar-contending documentary “Maya and the Wave,” directed by Stephanie Johnes and executive produced by her sister, Alexandra Johnes.
The film was featured in Deadline’s virtual event series, “For the Love of Docs.”

This award-winning documentary delves deep into Maya’s inspiring journey, highlighting not only her ascent to becoming a record-setting athlete but also the formidable hurdles she has faced along the way.

Gabeira’s story is one of resilience as she confronts severe injuries and a life-threatening incident that nearly claimed her life.
Moreover, she grapples with the pervasive sexism that plagues the surfing community, enduring a relentless wave of criticism after experiencing a harrowing fall during a major competition.

Maya and the Wave

“Maya and the Wave” offers a profound exploration of Maya’s determination and strength, illustrating how she triumphed over adversity to carve out her place in a male-dominated sport.
Her journey serves not just as an account of athletic achievement but as a powerful narrative of perseverance, challenging the status quo, and breaking barriers for women in extreme sports.

Maya and the Wave | Official Trailer

« Maya and the Wave, a full length documentary, chronicles the incredible journey of Maya Gabeira, the trailblazing woman who conquered the massive wave in Nazaré, Portugal. Despite a near-drowning incident and facing scorn from male big wave surfers, Maya perseveres.
After undergoing three spinal surgeries and five years of relentless effort, she surfs the largest wave ever ridden by a woman.
When her achievement goes unrecognized, Maya rallies her supporters to demand acknowledgment, ultimately becoming the first female surfer to secure a Guinness World Record in big wave surfing. »