Award Winning Petroc Alumni Premiers Powerful New Film Ceibo

Former Petroc student, Maddie Meddings, premiered her latest film, Ceibo, at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe recently, captivating audiences with a powerful exploration of environmentalism, identity, and female empowerment.

Ceibo follows surfers and activists Pacha Light and Lucy Small as they journey across Ecuador to learn from women leading environmental and social justice efforts. From land rights struggles in the Andes and the Amazon, to an Olympic surfer who paved the way for women in sport, and the fight to protect the waters of the Galapagos Islands, the film highlighted some of the most critical issues of our time through deeply personal stories.

The film was shot and edited by Maddie, produced by Lucy Small, and co-produced by Pacha Luque Light. The trio had previously collaborated on Yama, a multi-award-winning short film about the girls’ surf and skate scene in Ghana. Following the success of Yama, they set their sights on a new project with a stronger environmental focus. Ceibo emerged from that vision.

“When Pacha saw Yama, she asked if we’d make a film about her, and we did,” said Maddie. “Travelling around Ecuador and speaking to all these inspiring women was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We pitched the idea to hundreds of brands to secure funding, shaped the storyline ourselves, found the interviewees, and then planned, filmed, and edited the entire project.”

Hoping to inspire current students, Maddie added: “The best parts of my job are the places it takes you, the people you get to meet, and the constant creativity. If those things appeal to you, documentary filmmaking might just be your calling.”

Ceibo was screened at the Landmark Theatre as part of a wider tour and sparked meaningful conversations around environmental stewardship, indigenous rights, and identity.

Watch the trailer here: https://www.ceibofilm.com/