SLO Film Fest welcomes back Surf Nite, a celebration of music, film and community
SLO Film Fest’s long-awaited Surf Nite returned to Fremont Theatre on April 25 with anticipation from surf enthusiasts waiting at the door.
Spectators lined up in front of the Fremont Theatre in preparation for what has been termed as San Luis Obispo’s “Rocky Horror Picture Show” for surfers, young and old, alike.
San Luis Obispo local and surfer Rowan Chase brought down his Volkswagen van with a surfboard mounted atop to join other “surf van” owners in stationing their vehicles in front of the venue.
In terms of the surf community in San Luis Obispo, Chase expressed, “It’s a strong community… [and] it’s a little more soulful than other parts of California in some ways.”
Upon entering the theatre, enthusiastic groups and walks of all ages entered the dimly lit theatre, greeted by local cover band, Riff Tide. Crashing, upbeat melodies echoed throughout the room as the Central Coast sound reverberated from the trio onstage, setting the ambience for a night of innovation and surf culture.
As audience members settled in, film titles were announced in order of showing, followed by applause and supportive hollers from the crowd. Awaiting chatters became whispers as the theatre’s screen turned black, consuming the room in darkness.
“Creatures of Habit,” a short film directed by Nate Laverty, was the first to appear on screen. Following the ventures of close friends and surfers, the story enchants viewers with an adventure of nostalgia and exceeding limits. The film itself was divided into six separate acts, with the locations presented in each one exploring the different surfing regions of Vancouver, Canada.
The film’s cinematography consisted of black and white film and multicolor shots, transporting viewers along the Canadian ocean, in addition to the sound of surging waves.
In response to an audience question, Laverty expressed his wish to normalize “surfing in weird places” and his willingness to journey to untouched landscapes.
The second film, titled “Making Waves,” explores the journey of born and raised Santa Barbara surfer Lakey Peterson through the significant rises and downfalls of her career.
In a story of self-growth and acceptance, director Morgan Masses exemplifies the trials that competitive surfers face from the public and against themselves. Aside from revealing the reality of being a competitive surfer, the film touched on the acts of discovering and nurturing your own abilities.
“No Way,” a film directed by Harrison Roach and Jake Burghart, showcased the interpersonal connections formed through surfing culture and risk-taking.
The film follows an expedition along the Barent Sea with surfers from various continents such as Chile, California and the Arctic. Through ferocious waves and unforeseen weather, surf becomes a vital connection for individuals who dream of attaining the perfect wave.
“You’re just hungry and … when you get a better wave, it’s like you just explode,” Chase said.
