The 13th annual Kona Surf Film Festival — Hawaii’s premiere international surf film showcase — is Saturday in Kailua-Kona. ADVERTISING The 13th annual Kona Surf Film Festival — Hawaii’s premiere international surf film showcase — is Saturday in Kailua-Kona. The
The 13th annual Kona Surf Film Festival — Hawaii’s premiere international surf film showcase — is Saturday in Kailua-Kona.
The outdoor film festival showcases independent short and feature films from established and emerging surf filmmakers from around the globe from 4 to 10 p.m. at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Also planned is live music by Moni, Ron Artis II ft. Thundercloud, Lee G. and J. Young (jazz) and Hualalai, as well as art installations and surf celeb appearances.
“The festival is a chance for filmmakers to expose their work to surfers and non-surfers alike in a really fun atmosphere. The films are very diverse and really creative, with awesome stories, action and soundtracks,” said Chad Campbell, festival founder and program director.
Campbell, a surfer and filmmaker himself, created the festival in 2003 to bring together Hawaii’s surfing family for a communal love of all things surf.
“I created it because I was a surf filmmaker first — I just loved surf movies, and had made a couple (‘The 5th Symphony Document,’ and the ‘Blueprint’ starring Shane Dorian). In producing the movies, I established a relationship with the Aloha Theatre to screen the films. That grew organically into screening more than one film and we turned it into a surf film festival,” Campbell said. “We are the very first (and longest running) exclusively surf film fest in the world.”
The event started as a small low-key event at Aloha Theatre, attracting 140 people the first year, Campbell said. It moved out to the Mauna Lani for three years, where it was held outdoors and eventually brought back to Kailua-Kona where it’s been held at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel since.
“The future is to keep bringing epic movies and music to the community and keep our grassroots vibe,” Campbell said.
In addition to being a forum for independent filmmakers, the festival also benefits the Big Island surfing community. This year’s beneficiaries are Surfrider Kona, Hawaii Wildlife Fund and Mele Murals.
This year’s main films are “Given” starring the Goodwin Family, the heart-pounding action documentary “Distance Between Dreams” starring Ian Walsh. A handful of short films, including “The Aloha Project,” “Ulualoha,” and “Surf Wasted,” will also be screened.
“‘Given’ is just a magical film that you have to see to understand, (it has a) very awesome message, cinematography and music. Just an awesome film overall,” Campbell said about the main features. “‘Distance Between Dreams’ is a close look at Ian Walsh, who many in the surf community are familiar with, and what it takes to ride some of the biggest waves ever ridden.”
“Given” is the story of a legacy that takes one unique family on a 14-month adventure from their home on Kauai through 15 countries around the world via almost every known mode of transportation — from tuk tuks to choppers. Told through the memories of a 6-year-old child, the film follows legendary surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin in the quest for surf and to fulfill a calling handed down through generations. Released in 2016, “Given” is directed by Jess Bianchi.
In “Distance Between Dreams,” the most historic year in big-wave surfing comes to life through the eyes of iconic surfer Ian Walsh, as he sets mind and body in motion to redefine the upper limits of what’s considered rideable. With massive El Niño-powered swells building across the Pacific, Ian, Shaun, DK and Luke Walsh band together in a way that only brothers can to progress surfing to unimaginable heights. Surfers John John Florence, Greg Long, Shane Dorian and more link up with Walsh as he rides an emotional roller coaster through this momentous winter.
The second feature in Red Bull Media House’s “The Unrideables” franchise, “Distance Between Dreams” invites viewers right into the heart of the action with first-person perspective, state-of-the-art cinematography and captivating sound. Released in 2016, “Given” is directed by Rob Bruce.
The short film, “Aloha Project,” provides an in depth look at the characters and unique places that make Hawaii such a special place. It stars Shane Dorian, Justin Ridgley, Zak Noyle and others. “Ulualoha” tells the story of Jimmy “Ulu Boy” Napeahi, who was attacked by a tiger shark in 2013, “but has used it to fuel his surfing life,” said Campbell.
“Surf Wasted,” another short film, looks at the 400,000 surfboards that are created each year, the majority of which are made with highly toxic, non-reusable materials that end up in landfills and natural waterways. Hawaiian surfer/scientist Cliff Kapono takes viewers a journey of enlightenment in hopes of discovering how surfers can minimize their impact on the planet. Kapono will be attending this year’s festival.
Surf celebrities are always a part of the event, Campbell said.
“With the surf celebs, it all depends on if there is a giant swell or not,” he said. “But we’ll most likely see Shane Dorian, Ian Walsh, Ulu Boy Napeahi, some of the filmmakers, and there has been Kelly Slater sightings in the past so … keep your eyes peeled.”
Art also has its place at the Kona Surf Film Festival, Campbell said, adding “art is definitely part of the surfing culture, and I think surfing itself is a creative act.”
The art on display during Saturday’s event will be mostly ocean themed, but there will be some abstract work, which Campbell said may be a “little harder to pin down.” There will be live painting by Justin Dryer of LELE Hawaii, and artist Eukarezt.
Tickets are $11 for groms (14 and under) $21 for adults, plus fees, and can be purchased online at www.konasurffilmfestival.org.
Tickets are also available at Pacific Vibrations, Jacobs Surfboards and Kona Boys for $10 for groms and $25 for adults. At the door, ticket prices are $25 for adults and $15 for groms. Keiki younger than age 6 enter free of charge.
Attendees should bring their own beach chair and blanks for film viewing under the stars. Organizers also suggest bringing a sweatshirt because it can get chilly in the evening. Food and beer will be available for purchase; coolers will not be permitted. Parking will be offered at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel for $5.
Info: www.konasurffilmfestival.org. ■
