Mesfin’s inspiration came in the wake of the global movement for racial justice in the U.S. and beyond following the series of hate crimes in 2020, including the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota. Channeling his creative energy into something that he envisioned would give back to his community, he started Wade in the Water. Breaking barriers in the world of film, Mesfin positions Wade in the Water to honor the historical and contemporary relationship between Black people and the ocean, and explore the undying, intergenerational energy of Black waterwomen and watermen. The ultimate intention of the project is to inspire and support the next generation of Black surfers, specifically Black youth, by connecting them to the powerful roots of Black surfing’s legacy.