Shardana tells the extraordinary story of Francisco Porcella, a big wave surfer shaped by two iconic islands: Sardinia and Maui. Through interviews, surf trips, and archival footage, the documentary reveals his deep connection to nature and people, tracing his journey from Sardinian roots to global achievements. A pivotal moment in his life was choosing between soccer and windsurfing, a decision that took him to Maui, where he embraced Hawaiian surf culture and rose to prominence in the world of big wave riding. Today, Sardinia has become his base once again, symbolizing his enduring bond with his homeland. The prestigious invitation to the Eddie Aikau Invitational, the world’s most important big wave surfing event, celebrates his career while hinting at new challenges, as Francisco sets out to discover and ride a wave no one has surfed before. Shardana is an inspiring journey into the life of an extraordinary athlete, shaped by roots, courage, and discovery.

Francisco Porcella's story stems from our passion for outdoor sports and our admiration for his extraordinary achievements in big wave surfing, which have placed him among the world’s elite. His journey weaves together Sardinian roots and Hawaiian culture, a unique path for an Italian athlete marked by challenges, sacrifices, and remarkable successes never told before. With exclusive access to Francisco's personal archives and his family’s, this documentary delivers an authentic and captivating narrative. It celebrates not only his career but also universal themes like the connection between humans and nature, the courage to pursue dreams, and the importance of roots, inspiring determination and resilience.

Director
Mario Luigi Gilli, Federico Remolif
Story
Mario Luigi Gilli, Federico Remolif
Screenplay
Director of photography
Federico Remolif
Film Editor
Mario Luigi Gilli
Original Music
Emiliano Gherlanz - Kahuna
Operator
Majlend Bramo
Altri credits

Emanuele Segre (Postproduzione video, Color)

Cast and characters

Francisco Porcella

Production Director
Organizzatore generale
Maria Giorgia Racca
Executive production
Production
con il sostegno di Film Commission Torino Piemonte - Piemonte Doc Film Fund - sviluppo dicembre 2024
Last update: 03 March 2025