LONDON SURF / FILM FESTIVAL
9-12 OCTOBER 2014
GENESIS, E1

The 4th annual London Surf / Film Festival presented by Reef hits the capital 9 – 12 October. Hosted at Genesis, E1 London Surf / Film Festival is the UK’s largest celebration of contemporary surf culture bringing to theses shores four nights of the very best surf films from around the globe  – a hand picked line up of must-see premieres to inspire, excite & entertain while redefining the parameters of possibility. Accompanied by filmmaker Q+A’s and talks from waveriding's most exciting heroes and icons including 5x World Champion Stephanie Gilmore plus music, art, artisans and more, this saline hit of inspiration is a must for anyone of a saltwater persuasion.

“I’m stoked on this year’s line up,” says Festival Director Chris Nelson.  “For many of the films we showcase, the London Surf / Film Festival will be the only chance you’ll get to watch them as they were intended to be enjoyed – on the big screen, in surround sound, accompanied by a packed crowd of likeminded individuals. Surf movie releases have always been community happenings – the original “social media” experience and that is exactly what the LS/FF is all about.”
Tickets from £7.50 are available through the Genesis HERE and on T: 020 7780 2000 as well as a limited number of evening passes from £15, which deliver more film for your buck plus some exclusive goodies!

The weekend’s celebrations are accompanied by live music from StringerBessant who will be joining us for an exclusive set on the gala opening night, a slideshow from leading surf photographer Tim Nunn, the ‘Lines on Water’ poster exhibition in the Approaching Lines gallery celebrating iconic quotes from genre defining surf movies, showcasing artists, artisans, makers and doers. On Saturday, we’re also hosting a writers forum with a panel of leading surf scribes including renowned author and writer Tim Baker fresh from Australia, Bafta nominated script writer Lauren Davies, Author Tom Anderson, MagicSeaweed Editor Ed Temperley, chaired by writer and author Chris Nelson. The writers workshop is free but ticketed.

For full schedule details and information about the festival head to: www.londonsurffilmfestival.com.

INTERNATIONAL FEATURE LINE UP

THURSDAY 9TH OCTOBER – GALA OPENING
7pm European Premiere: STEPHANIE IN THE WATER, Dir. Ava Warbrick, AUS
Stephanie Gilmore: surfing icon, World Champion, respected and revered by all. By her own admission she never feared defeat, she entered the line-up with a supreme confidence and dominated female surfing. That was until one night, in her hometown of Coolongatta, she was attacked by a complete stranger. This fly on the wall documentary offers an incredibly intimate insight into Steph’s life on and off the tour, pushing the cutting edge of surfing.  Presented in person by the 5 X World Champion Stephanie Gilmore and Director Ava Warbrick.

StringerBessant – exclusive set

9.15pm World Premiere: INTO THE SEA, Dir. Marion Poizeau, Fra
With no prior knowledge or preconceptions, Irish champion surfer Easkey Britton travels to Iran, taking to the water in a hijab, to become the first woman to surf there. Invited to return by the country’s pioneering sportswomen, she aims to introduce surfing to the women of Iran. How will the locals of this traditional area respond? This is an inspiring documentary of exploration and hope that reveals the true power of the ocean.
Presented by Director Marion Piozeau

FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER – AN EVENING OF SURF EXPLORATION
7pm SURF TRIPPING TRIPPLE BILL
World Premiere: THE HUNT FOR HIPMASAMA, Dir. Oli Adams, UK
UK Pro Oli Adams stumbled across a grainy picture of a mysto wave on a remote British island - un-surfed and un-named. This image haunted him, and sparked an eight-year odyssey, chasing a dream. This film follows him as he embarks on a final journey to track down this mythical wave that has evaded him for so long.
Accompanied by Q&A with surfer/filmmaker Oli Adams.

PLUS
London Premiere: CRADLE OF STORMS, Dir. Bryce Lowe-White, USA
Alex Gray, Josh Mulcoy, and Pete Devries went on a journey through the remote Aleutian Arc of Alaska, the birthplace of storm systems that send swell back to the whole Pacific region. They braved heavy weather, rickety prop planes, and seal meat en route to discovering one of the best cold-water slabs in the world. Set against the stunning volcanic backdrop, this multi award-winner is cold-water surf exploration at its finest.

9pm – RIPPLES & BOMBS DOUBLE BILL
London Premiere: SE7EN SIGNS, Dir. Nathan Myers, USA
Dreamt up by Innersection mastermind Nathan Myers and produced by genre defining filmmaker Taylor Steele, Se7en Signs weaves the journeys of six filmmakers in six locations together into a single, rollicking, surprise-filled adventure. This is a film about traveling in search of waves…and everything that happens along the way. If this does not inspire your wanderlust, nothing will.

PLUS
A Very Special Screening: THE RIPPLE EFFECT, Dir. Peter Hamblin, SA
Critically acclaimed filmmaker Peter Hamblin and pre-eminent surf writer Tim Baker collaborated on an insightful and wry series of series that lift the veil on some of surfing’s most interesting and engaging characters. This very special showcase of The Cooly Kids will be presented in person by Tim Baker and Peter Hamblin who will be revealing the stories that they just weren’t allowed to commit to film!

SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER – A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE
5.15 pm UK Premiere: PENINSULA, Dir. Luca Merli, It
This beautifully crafted ode to Italy explores the country’s rich and varied coastline and culture through the passion and dedication of both pioneering surfers and modern stylists. Shot on sumptuous 35mm, 16mm and super8 film, this gorgeous movie shows just why the surfing world has suddenly fallen for Italy.

7 pm European Premiere: WHAT THE SEA GIVES ME, Dir. Pierce M Kavanagh, USA
A stunning portrayal of the relationship between man and sea.  With insight from those whose destinies are defined by their connection to the ocean, whether researching Great White sharks, diving to depths never before reached, capturing waves on the frigid fringes of the planet or surfing mountains of water, this is a must-see film to open the eyes and awaken the senses.
Accompanied by a talk and slideshow from leading surf photographer Tim Nunn.

9 pm UK Premiere: TIERRA DE PATAGONES, Dir. Joaquin and Julian Azulay, Arg Joaquin and Julian Azulay set out on a journey to explore the southern limits of Patagonia surfing empty point breaks, heaving slabs and beaches, accompanied only by penguins and sea lions. Along the way they meet those who forge a life in this beautiful but bleak landscape, before embarking on a dangerous sea voyage in search of a deserted island. Combining beautiful cinematography, grand vistas and a soundtrack that captures the spirit of Patagonia this film will have you packing your bags and heading south for the winter.

SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER – THE CULTURE VULTURE
4.30 pm UK Premiere: 70 SOMETHING, Dir. Rafael Mellin, Bra
Think you know Brazilian surfing? Think again! This awesome documentary mixes archive footage, interviews and the best modern surfers ripping on classic boards to tell the story of how surfing and youth culture found it’s feet under the noses of a repressive military dictatorship in 1970’s. Set to the perfect soundtrack, it will inspire, enlighten and entertain. Not to be missed.

6.15 pm UK Premiere: OUT IN THE LINE-UP. Dir. Ian Thomson, Aus
This multi award-winning documentary lifts the lid on the taboo of homosexuality in surfing. After 20 years of silence, former state champion surfer David Wakefield feels ready to reveal a secret that could turn his life upside down. Despite mixed reactions from friends and family, David is determined to find out why homosexuality is so hidden in surfing. He embarks on a global journey to bring understanding to this taboo topic. A powerful documentary that busts down doors.
Accompanied by Q&A with director Ian Thomson

8.15 pm – SUPER STYLE DOUBLE BILL
UK Premiere: UK Premiere: EXPENCIVE PORNO MOVIE, Dir: Tin Ojeda, USA
Shot on luscious Super 16mil and featuring some of the world’s most stylish surfers – Alex Knost, Dane Peterson, Trevor Gordon, Ryan Burch, Jared Mell, Mikey DeTemple et al, the music is pure 70’s Blaxsploitation, the action is pure surf porn and shooting the whole thing on film costs a pretty penny. I just wonder where he got the name from?

PLUS
London Premiere: GROOVE MOOVE, Dir Jack Coleman, USA
If you want your mind to be blown by radical, stylish, grin-inducing surfing from some of the planet’s most interesting surfers set to a classic soundtrack and captured on celluloid then look no further. Jack Coleman takes a liberal sprinkling of Alex Knost, Joel Tudor, Ozzie Wright and Rob Machado, cracks in some quality Ryan Burch, Derek Hynd, Dave Rastovich, Ari Browne and more and sets the mixer to groove and move baby! Award winning radness at its finest.