Gwynnik marks the third film from Director Seth Hughes and Finisterre Ambassador, Mike Lay, completing a trilogy alongside Cynevin and Hireth.
This final chapter, Gwynnik, is a return home. A slowing down. A reflection on the importance of family. The name, meaning “little fair one” in Cornish, honours the arrival of Mike’s little blonde children and the new rhythm they’ve brought to his life. Filmed over two years across Cornwall and Brittany, it’s a visual record of Mike’s evolving relationship with the ocean. After years of travelling the world as a professional surfer, he’s now more rooted in West Penwith, where his connection to the sea has shifted – less about chasing perfect waves, more about the holistic experience of being in the water.
“Seth and I have worked together on and off for the past 6 or 7 years. Occasionally with our heads down trying to stack clips but most of the time in a more casual way, as and when we have enough time. We both share a deep love and commitment to place, Cornwall being home to us both. Gwynnick came about through that love of place, and also an interest and shared sense of belonging in the other Celtic nations. My life and priorities have shifted drastically since becoming a parent but my commitment to surfing, Cornwall and community has remained. I’d love to share my passion for these things with my kids. So the film was born out of all of those things. It’s such a joy to share surfing with my kids and for Seth to so beautifully put it into a film” – Mike
“Most of the waves in this film would be considered average by surf-film standards, and that’s intentional. We wanted Gwynnik to be a gentle reminder that beauty exists in all conditions, that joy and meaning can be found in the everyday rhythm of the sea.” – Seth
