Byron Bay, the home of Australia’s surf, and surf culture. It’s famous beaches, famous breaks and now, recently crowned Pipeline Master, Kieren Perrow. So, what better place for an International Film Festival with a specialised focus on the surf film genre. Hand picked from around the world, featuring colourful characters with a story to tell, Byron Bay International Film Festivals surf/skate programme for 2012 is looking bigger than ever.
Here’s some of our highlights.
Come Hell or High Water. From the south shore of Hawaii’s Oahu, to the coastline of California, to the pounding barrels of Tahiti, the world of bodysurfing has escaped the trappings of fame and fortune that have engulfed the mainstream surfing community. This film captures the essence of surfing at its most vital and most simple, and the amazing aquatic cinematography revives the spirit of pure stoke that underpins the sport.
Five years in the making Minds In The Water is the story of one surfer’s journey from Australia to the Galapagos, Tonga, Alaska and Japan to help protect dolphins, whales and their ocean environment. The film captures a key moment in the life of pro surfer Dave “Rasta” Rastovich. His shift from ocean admirer to ocean activist. Along the way, he enlists a team of filmmakers, journalists, musicians, eco-pirates, celebrity surfers, and even a professional mermaid, to help promote responsible stewardship of the oceans.
Another film with the environment at its core is Manufacturing Stoke. No other sport is so intrinsically linked to nature and yet the majority of the materials used in the surf industry are environmentally toxic. Manufacturing Stoke is a feature length documentary charting the change from the 1960’s golden age of surf, to the closing of Clark Foam, the largest producer of surfboard blanks, in 2005, and the ensuing renaissance within the industry, interviewing a tapestry of influential and eclectic surfers who are striving for positive environmental change.
BBFF2012 will be screening the new film from legendary surf filmmaker Jack McCoy, A Deeper Shade of Blue – highlighting surfing’s deepest roots, in the subconscious, in ancient lore, in man’s perpetual quest for a joyful relationship with the natural world.
Also screening at this year’s festival, featuring extraordinary archive footage, modern classic Going Vertical, charting the 42-year-old debate over the heritage of the shortboard. Lifelong rivals and surfing royalty American Dick Brewer and Australian Bob McTavish, both now in their sixties, both lay their claims with passion and persuasion.
New to the festival this year, a selection of influential skate films, including Day At The Pool, shedding new light on skateboarding’s history and Drop: My Life Downhill, a film that challenges the ‘action sport’ film formula of 40-minute montages.
BBFF 2012 will screen a dynamic programme of local, national and international film from the surf and skate genres. A selection of directors, actors, producers and charismatic crazy dudes, including legendry International Filmmaker, Jack McCoy and International Director/Producer, Pierce Michael Kavanagh, will be making a personal appearance at this year’s Byron Bay International Film Festival. Check out www.echonetdaily.net.au for daily news, detailed reviews, trailers and filmmaker insights….and watch this space for information on our extra special new outdoor screenings.
Further programming and ticketing information will be available in the lead up to the festival at www.bbff.com.au.
