Fiona Averill

EL PALMAR, Spain — “The Currents of El Palmar” explores the evolving identity of a small beach town on the Andalusian coast of Spain, where peaceful beaches and steady waves have long drawn surf lovers from around the world. El Palmar has traditionally been a place where families gathered to unwind and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the Atlantic, nurtured by a close-knit surf community that sees the ocean as both teacher and refuge. Local instructor Alex Bartí Jaramillo, a lifelong surfer and resident, embodies that spirit—teaching the next generation of surfers how to ride waves while respecting the coastline and the culture. But El Palmar is changing. As Andalusia experiences record-breaking tourism numbers with more than 33.9 million visitors in 2023, the impact is being felt along even its quieter stretches of coast. International tourism to the region surged by 11% in early 2024, with spending rising over 20%. “It used to be a bit more family-oriented,” Alex reflects, “but now it’s increasingly party-focused. It’s tourism that we don’t like as much.” This documentary captures his frustration as once-peaceful beaches give way to loud nightlife, eroding dunes, and a shifting local economy. Through the story of El Palmar’s surf community, “The Currents of El Palmar” examines how communities can balance welcoming visitors while also preserving the area’s natural essence.