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Die-hard surfers everywhere will tell you it’s not just an activity, it’s a culture. Next week, September 11-14, marks the inaugural Jack McCoy Australian Surf Film Fest, the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in surf culture and honour the memory of a surf cinematography legend, Jack McCoy.
Jack was a celebrated cinematographer, producing over 25 feature films over the course of a 50-year career. Splashed with passion, his purpose was always to unite the surf industry, getting everyone involved in the magic of this ocean sport. Throughout his life, elite surfers such as Kelly Slater, Joel Parkinson, Gerry Lopez, Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Mark Richards, Tom Carroll, Andy Irons and Mark Occhilupo were lucky enough to work alongside him.
Scoring multiple awards for his work, Jack’s cinematography career led him from the beach to the stars, where he formed lifelong friendships with Hollywood names such as the Foo Fighters, INXS, Jack Johnson and Paul McCartney from The Beatles.
Before his passing in April, he had been planning this festival for over a year, committed to bringing the best surf films of all time to Sydney cinemas. Luckily, his beloved children Indi and Luke stepped up to celebrate their dad’s life, legacy, and the whole surf industry by seeing this project to fruition.
“Dad wanted to ensure he left behind a platform to celebrate and unite the industry, whilst reinvigorating surf culture around the world. As he always said, surf films are made to be seen on the big screen!” says McCoy’s daughter, Indianna Campbell.
Now, six films with a star-studded cast will make waves at select locations across our sun-soaked city, featuring celebrities such as Hollywood director Dana Brown (son of Bruce Brown), ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, Wayne Lynch, Tom Carroll and Rip Curl founder, Doug ‘Claw’ Warbrick. At the Australian Premiere of SNAPT5, director Logan Dulien and a number of his crew will even appear live on stage for a Q&A.
“Jack was a force of nature and was selling out National tours right up until his passing just months ago. The Festival is a perfect way to honour his extraordinary life and the impact he had on the global surfing community and beyond,” says two-time World Champion, Tom Carroll.
So, trade that salty seaside breeze for some salted popcorn for once, and enjoy a selection of serf cinema all the way from the seventies to present day, including SNAPT5 (Australian Premiere), Road to Patagonia (2024), Endless Summer II (1992), Modern Collective (2009), Storm Riders (1982), and Going Surfin’ (1972). Be swept away by tales of travelling the globe to find the perfect wave, a 50,000km surfing odyssey replete with breathtaking landscapes, and personal journeys following the making of surfing icons. For full details, see the festival schedule.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
Thursday, September 11: SNAPT5 (Australian Premiere), directed by Logan Dulien, 7.00pm at the Orpheum Theatre, Cremorne
Friday, September 12: Road to Patagonia (2024), directed by Matt Hannon, 5:30pm at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Friday, September 12: Endless Summer II (1992), directed by Bruce Brown, 8:00pm at Ritz Cinemas, Randwick
Saturday, September 13: Modern Collective (2009), directed by Kai Neville, 5.00pm at Orpheum Theatre, Cremorne
Saturday, September 13: Storm Riders (1982), directed by Jack McCoy, 7:30pm at Orpheum Theatre, Cremorne
Sunday, September 14: Going Surfin’ (1972), directed by Bud Browne, 3.00pm at Bennetts Surfboards, Brookvale
What’s more? Post a pic on Insta and tag @beachescovered, @jackmccoyaloha, and a mate that you want to bring along for your chance to win a VIP Double Pass to any session throughout the festival.
Purchase your ticket and find more information at https://www.jackmccoy.com/jackmccoyaustraliansurffilmfest.
