themontauksun
As a surfer and a fan of surf films, this is one of the best documentaries on surfing I have ever seen. The stories behind the lives of these villagers are so well told, and the areas in which the director chose to focus gave an added understanding of the experiences within the village of Vanimo. This film is a rare little gem in which you may walk out of the theater speechless, thinking about the fate of the people in the film, feeling thankful to have a glimpse into such an exotic corner of the globe, and best of all, hopeful about the future of those you are rooting for in the film. The captivating experience is feeling the universal joy that unites surfers around the world, from all walks of life. Adam Pesce captures it beautifully.
Vince T
Surfing as a modern day pastime is complex. There are all kinds of Surfers; professionals, weekend warriors, local legends, beginners, and veterans. Many companies sell the surf image via clothing and accessories, for some that is the closest they will ever get to riding a wave or understanding the sport.I am lucky, I get to surf and I am grateful. That being said, how is it for other surfers around the world...what does it mean to them? We all dream of that perfect place where we can be one with nature, but what if you lived in that place...what would it be like? Would the rules that we live by still apply? Splinter's offers the movie goer an up close and personal glimpse into island life and all that it has to offer. There is beauty, there is grit and sometimes violence. The director does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of each character, this includes triumph, hope and at times defeat.For me, Surfing in this film transports you into the characters lives and it transports them beyond their village into the outside world, our world. Regardless if you are a man or woman, It's up to each character to ride their wave however and wherever they want. How far they go is up to them.
stoney-head
This film was not at all what I was expecting. It's a surf movie, yes, in the sense that it's about surfing. But its the intimate look into the lives of the surfers themselves that propels the story and turns it into something exceptional. Well, that, and the music. The score is very well done. It sounds kind of Sigur Ros-ish and really creates a cool tone for the film. I just happened to go to a screening the other night without knowing much about the film and it blew me away. The story twists and turns in ways I doubt the film makers even predicted when they started shooting it. I Highly recommend this to anyone who likes documentaries, surfing, or just great story-telling.
jacob-toups
Adam did a fantastic job with this film. Traveling and studying the Middle East for 5 years, I've seen first hand what the power of sports can do to inspire individuals to become who they are. Now I work with non profits all over Los Angeles using sports to engage lower income youth. Surfing is one of them and his film shows that both in Paupa New Guinea and Los Angeles surfing is a powerful form of inspiration and hope. This film itself is fantastic as your transported into the life of a Paupan. Embedded in the film are elements of the culture that both reflect past and present, including surfing, ways of life. Go see this film if you want both a new perspective on surfing and culture.
AD
