Directed by Alice Ward, 'SALT'  is a short film and an autobiographical exploration of the role that salt and the ocean has played in her life as a surfer, sea-swimmer and person with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

CFI are proud to have supported Alice with this project and are delighted to invite our members to a special screening followed by a Q&A with Alice. 

If you would like to join this event, please register here.

Further information

Dubliner Alice Ward, directed the film which has already garnered attention winning ‘Best International Short’ at the London Surf Film Festival and “Best Film” at the Irish Surf Film Festival in November 2024.  ‘Salt’ is an autobiographical exploration of the role that salt and the ocean has played in Alice’s life as a filmmaker, surfer and person with Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

At the heart of the film is salt: in seawater and as an essential component within our bodies. Alice’s Mother noticed Alice’s skin was unusually salty at birth which led to a diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis. In spite of this, Alice became the first woman in Ireland to start shooting in the water to capture surfing from a female perspective. “Salt” is an artful portrayal of her relationship with salt, which has profoundly influenced Alice in her personal and professional life.

“I’ve spent most of my life in the sea and ‘Salt’ is my own personal love letter to the ocean and the gratitude I have for how it has shaped my life. I’m thrilled to work with CFI, Finisterre and The London Surf Film Festival to bring this story to the Irish audience – I believe it will resonate with many,” Ward explains.

Salt was the 2024 winner of the Finisterre x LSFF “Women of the Sea Film Fund.” The pitch was selected from a shortlist of 50 films from around the globe. Salt runs for 12 minutes and explores themes of empowerment, motivation, and intuition, offering a compelling insight into the lives of people with chronic and lifelong illnesses.

“Through ‘Salt’, I wanted to demonstrate to individuals grappling with serious illnesses that their conditions need not always dictate their lives, and they possess capabilities beyond their doctors’ prognoses. I also want to show the positive impact that immersing myself in the ocean has had on my health, and lastly, I am motivated to empower women to embrace the role of storyteller behind the lens,” comments Ward.

Part funded by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, the national charity advocating with people with CF and their families in Ireland, the film will continue to spread awareness of Cystic Fibrosis following the Sligo premiere.

CEO of CFI, Sarah Tecklenborg commented “We are very excited to support Alice in sharing her story and her film is a beautiful depiction of the story of today’s CF.

"The history of the condition is a harrowing one but with advancements in care and treatment, the narrative and future has changed with many people with CF living healthier lives. And whilst there are still many barriers to living with CF whether that is access to medications, treatment burden, access to mortgages and pensions, or facing the unknown effects of aging with CF, together with our members, we, as an organisation, will continue to work tirelessly towards a life without these barriers – and ultimately a cure.”