Meet the Filmmaker Margaux Moses
Margaux Moses was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, CA and moved to Asbury Park, NJ in late 2021. There she founded her environmental surf wax company Wave Maiden supplying ocean safe wax and ethically sourced beach goods to the community. As a SoCal native, Margaux found New Jersey to be completely misunderstood, and celebrated the fact that surfing through all four seasons was dynamic, challenging, and powerful.
After a long break from production managing commercials and films, she felt called to share the story of the women's community through “Riding the Rhythms,” her first project as director. Margaux identifies as an entrepreneur, herbalist, environmental activist, spiritual ecologist, and now a Jersey Girl.
Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?
I grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA and moved to Asbury Park, NJ in early 2022.
How did you get started in the surf film industry?
I have a background in film production, I started working on sets as a teenager in Los Angeles, and spent the first half of my career production managing both big budget commercials and independent films. I have predominantly stayed in a role on the production team, but have always been passionate about storytelling and decided to try my hand at directing this project as well.
What’s different about directing a surf film than a more mainstream film?
Producing a surf film has proven to be much more difficult than a mainstream film. The unpredictability of waves and weather in the region makes it incredibly difficult to plan ahead.
Generally, you can block off dates and send out call sheets the day before. In the case of "Riding the Rhythms" I had to manage communication and schedules of eight ladies, some in full time jobs, some in high school, and some traveling to compete — and hope they were available along with my videographer when we were going to get waves. Just puzzling all of the humans and moving parts needed together becomes a job within itself.
What inspired you to make Riding the Rhythms?
I felt there was an opportunity to do something truly different from what we see in surf media from the northeast, when this region is highlighted it almost exclusively features professional male athletes chasing storm swells. When these swells come through New Jersey’s surf really does shine. But even though it is arguably some of the best surfing on the East Coast when it's firing, most people don’t surf that heavy shore break, it's super intimidating. I felt really called to expand the narrative by sharing a glimpse into the life of some of the women who surf and skate year round here.
How did you come to meet the surfers in the film?
I met some of the women organically in the water, some through community events and socially, and my younger crew I knew of from following local competitions and surf shop teams. I approached each one with my idea, what I could and couldn’t promise, and invited them to be a part of the project. Each one brought completely unique personality and insight. I'm grateful for each and every one.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?
I believe women have a unique bond with water, waves, nature, and our experience pushing our bodies on boards. It’s our personal dance with nature, movement through the Ocean, exposure to climate and extremes that made this feel like an important story to pursue and capture. I hope it inspires more people to connect with nature, feel the strength of community and connection, and even reawaken some of our inherent desire to care for the Earth, Ocean, and each other.
