Showcasing the best in global surf cinema at the Doris Duke Theatre July 11-Aug. 4
HONOLULU—The 15th Annual Honolulu Surf Film Festival (HSFF) returns to the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) Doris Duke Theatre with a primo lineup of shorts and features from Hawaiʻi and around the world as well as events, talk story sessions and other programming from July 11-Aug. 4.
The HSFF kicks off with an opening reception and screening of “The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story” on Thursday, July 11 at 6p.m. Media is invited to attend.
Throughout the month-long festival, films will look back at the history of surfing as well as look to its future. Closing out the HSFF on August 4, a special afternoon screening of Bud Browne’s “Locked In!” will be followed by a talk story panel of intergenerational surfing luminaries.
All film tickets are $12 for members and $15 for general admission and are available for purchase at honolulumuseum.org/theatre.
The Shape of Things: The Dick Brewer Story
Directed by Bob Campi. 2024. USA. World premiere. 58 min.
Thursday, July 11 at 6p.m. and Saturday, July 20 at 2p.m.
This chronicle of surfing’s “da Vinci of design” dives into the mysterious and rollercoaster life of Dick Brewer at the forefront of a burgeoning surf culture in the 1960s and 70s. Post-screening discussions with the filmmakers and special guests to follow both screenings.
Point of Change
Directed by Rebecca Coley. 2023. UK. 90 min.
Friday, July 12 at 2p.m. and Sunday, July 14 at 2p.m.
Stumbling across the perfect wave in 1975, two surfers start a chain reaction of unintended consequences on the isolated Indonesian island of Nias. Screens with “Movers and Shapers,” directed by Ciara Kelleher and Alanna MacNamee.
Maya and the Wave
Directed by Stephanie Johnes. 2022. USA. 95 min.
Friday, July 12 at 7p.m.
After a brush with death, Maya Gabeira makes history in the male-dominated world of big wave surfing.
Many Classic Moments
Directed by Gary Capo. 1978. USA. 70 min.
Saturday, July 13 at 2p.m. and Friday, July 19 at 2p.m.
A new restoration of the1978 classic showcasing North Shore talents set to an original soundtrack by Kalapana. Preceded by “Surf Wars,” directed by Gary Capo.
The Road to Patagonia
Directed by Matty Hannon. 2023. Australia. 91 min.
Saturday, July 13 at 7p.m. and Thursday, July 18 at 2p.m.
This stunning documentary tracks a surfer’s journey from Alaska to the tip of Patagonia by motorcycle and horse. Preceded by “Kin,” directed by Lauren L. Hill.
Corners of the Earth: Kamchatka
Directed by Spencer Frost. 2023. Australia. 90 min.
Friday, July 19 at 7p.m.
Follow a group of filmmakers and surfers as they journey to the far east of Russia in search of new waves along the frozen, unexplored coastline. Preceded by “Bloody Mess,” directed by Gustav Hugo Olsson.
Trilogy: New Wave
Directed by Andrew Mackenzie. 2024. USA. 73 min.
Saturday, July 20 at 7p.m.
Follow three of the best surfers in the world—Griffin Colapinto, Seth Moniz, and Ethan Ewing—on an epic eight-trip surf adventure.
Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool
Directed by Leah Warshawski and Todd Soliday. 2023. Hawaiʻi. 39 min.
Sunday, July 21 at 2p.m.
A film about Maui surf instructor Bull “Bully” Kotter and the power of one person to shape a more hopeful future for our community. A Q+A with the directors and cast will follow the screening. Preceded by “Ministry of Surf,” directed by Collins Reagan.
Calypte
Directed by Ishka Folkwell. 2023. Australia. 88 min.
Thursday, July 25 at 2p.m.
Torren Martyn and Aiyana Powell embark on an epic surfing and sailing adventure in Southeast Asia.
Spotlight: Basque Country
Friday, July 26 at 2p.m.
See three films that showcase the history of surfing in the Basque Country and the adventures of the surfers and surf filmmakers that call it home.
Mundaka: The Legendary Day
Directed by Jon Aspuru. 2023. Spain. 30 min. Spanish with English subtitles.
Beyond Frames
Directed by Samuel Müller. 2023. Spain. 13 min. Spanish with English subtitles.
Feather in the Wind
Directed by Alex Heitler. 2024. France. 43 min. Spanish with English subtitles.
Surf Like a Girl 2024
Friday, July 26 at 7p.m.
A collection of films from around the world showcasing empowerment and sisterhood in and out of the waves.
Camilla
Directed by Sebastian Bechtel. 2023. Germany. 10 min. German with English subtitles.
The Granny Grommets
Directed by Leah Rustomjee. 2023. UK. 9 min.
Emergence
Directed by Amanda Prifti. 2023. USA. 6 min. Spanish with English subtitles.
Mahoroba
Directed by Naoko Hara. 2023. Japan. 23 min. Japanese with English subtitles.
WOMP
Directed by Hannah Walsh. 2023. USA. 10 min.
Convergence
Directed by Perry Gershkow. 2023. USA. 43 min.
Saturday, July 27 at 2p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2p.m.
“Convergence” follows Golden State surf icons Conner Coffin, Nate Tyler, and Greyson Fletcher as they travel up the coast to surf, skate, share cold ones, and reflect on the journey their love for surfing and the Californian way of life has taken them. Preceded by “Spicy Knives,” directed by Jon Aspuru. Post-screening Q+A with director Perry Gershkow on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 2p.m.
Wave Warriors
Directed by Bill Philips. 1985. USA. 40 min.
Saturday, July 27 at 7p.m. and Friday, Aug. 2 at 2p.m.
This newly restored 1980s classic, “Wave Warriors,” captures the era’s greats at Sunset and Pipeline. A post-screening panel discussion with special guests to follow the screening.
Some Like It Classic
Directed by Romain Juchereau. 2024. USA. 74 min.
Friday, Aug. 2 at 7p.m.
This beautiful 16mm film documents longboarding and early hotdogging through some of the most influential surfboard evolution designs in history.
Of the Sea (Sou Do Mar)
Directed by Bruno Lemos. 2023. Brazil/Hawaiʻi. 75 min.
Saturday, Aug. 3 at 2p.m.
The story of Bruno Lemos, a Brazilian surfer who became a successful surf photographer in Hawaiʻi.
HSFF 2024 Shorts
Saturday, Aug. 3 at 7p.m.
See a lineup of shorts showcasing the ever-expanding reach of surfing and surf culture throughout each corner of the world.
Locked in! + Talk Story
Sunday, Aug. 4 at 5p.m.
HoMA continues its collaboration with the Bud Browne Film Archives to present Bud Browne’s film short, “Yesterday,” followed by his epic classic, “Locked In!”. A post-screening talk story with local surf luminaries to follow.
Special thanks to the 2024 festival committee members, Manny Aloha and Crystal Thornburg-Homcy with major support from Aqua-Aston Hospitality.
About the Honolulu Museum of Art
A vital part of Hawaiʻi’s cultural landscape, HoMA is a unique gathering place where art, global worldviews, culture and education converge in the heart of Honolulu. In addition to an internationally renowned permanent collection, the museum houses innovative exhibitions, an art school, an independent art house theatre, two cafés and a museum shop, within one of the most beautiful, iconic buildings in Hawaiʻi.
The museum inspires and uplifts the community through transformative art experiences that celebrate creativity, cultivate wonder, foster empathy and enhance knowledge in order to deepen our connections with one another and the world we share.
For more information, visit www.honolulumuseum.org.