TAUBLIEB Films has made waves of its own with a powerful new documentary special capturing the grit, dreams, and raw athleticism of seven young surfers taking on one of the most dangerous waves on Earth: Teahupo’o.
Produced and directed by Paul Taublieb, the documentary follows a diverse cast of up-and-coming surf talents from around the globe as they chase Olympic glory and confront the legendary Tahitian break that demands equal parts skill and courage. Among the featured athletes are Alan Cleland Jr. from Mexico (@alan_jr_cleland), Hawaii’s Cody Young (@cody_young_), Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle (@leilanimcgonagle), Peru’s Lucca Mesinas (@luccamesinas), Sol Aguirre from Peru (@solaguirrev), New Zealand’s Billy Stairmand (@billystairmand), and Tiara van der Huls from the Netherlands (@tiaravander).
Leilana McGonigal from Costa Rica
The film doesn’t just showcase elite athleticism — it also highlights the deeply personal journeys of each surfer as they prepare to take on the Olympic stage and one of the most iconic and treacherous waves in surfing history.
Now, the documentary has earned a coveted spot as a finalist in the 29th People’s Voice Webby Awards, hailed as “The Academy Awards of the Internet.” It’s also in the running for the Webby People’s Voice Award, which is open to public voting [HERE].
Producer/Director paul Taublieb.
This accomplishment is a testament to the creative force behind the camera as well. In addition to Taublieb, the film was brought to life by executive producers Jonathan Taylor and Mariano Amiune of The Olympic Channel, along with a stellar production team: producers Susan Cooper and Stacy Transou, lead director of photography Dave Warshauer, second DP and editor Wesley Forsyth, audio engineer Jeff Pace, and co-producer/co-director Monica Medellin.
With this powerful mix of global talent, breathtaking visuals, and Olympic-level storytelling, the documentary cements itself as a must-watch ahead of this summer’s Games.
Let the waves — and the votes—roll in.
