The Inevitable Return
is a short documentary film that explores the history of how military technology and atomic testing became entangled in contemporary surfing amongst the beaches of the San Diego area. Using vérité footage and animation, the film follows Shuuluk, a Kumeyaay surfer, who interacts daily with the resulting effects and complexities of occupation on his land and in his sport, and reclaims it as a practice of joy, play, and connection.

Director Zachary Zezima
Starring Shuuluk Leo-Retz
Producers Zachary Zezima, Shuuluk Leo-Retz, Dina Gilio-Whitaker & Marc Chavez
Consulting Producer Jonna McKone
Water Photography Jacob Pickett, Chase Viken & Nova West
Music Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith
Sound Fox Schwach
Made following the Documentary Accountability Working Group’s Framework for Values, Ethics & Accountability in Nonfiction Filmmaking ✉ zack@zacharyzezima.com