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SURFING THE HEALING WAVE
Year: 1999
Classification: Exempt - Ronin Recommends: G
Runtime: 55 min
Produced In: Australia
Directed By: Tim Burns
Produced By: Huey Benjamin
Language: English
In this documentary, Kyle Slabb, a young Aboriginal surfer, takes us to the annual Indigenous surfing contest at Fingal on the Northern New South Wales coast. Along the way, he offers us insights into traditional ways, dances and ceremonies and an understanding of his struggle to preserve those values in his modern life.
Aboriginal people come from all over Australia to participate in the event.
Aboriginal society has been devastated by the arrival of Europeans 200 years ago. This annual contest, with its celebration of Indigenous culture and an opportunity for people to renew lost family connections, goes some way towards the healing process.
Our narrator, Kyle Slabb, is a young Aboriginal surfer whose clan are hosting the event. Kyle guides us around the spectacular rivers and idyllic coastal reserves of his homelands.
This film is a lively and uplifting look at the positive steps taken by an Indigenous community as it strives to achieve cultural continuity for future generations.
- WINNER! Best Australian Documentary at the 2000 Real Life on Film Festival
A film by Huey Benjamin and Tim Burns
Narrator - Kyle Slabb
Editors - Jackie Munro and Paul Healy
Music and songs composed by Huey Benjamin and Kyle Slabb
Photography - Warwick Thornton, Himman Dhamija, Phil Lomas
Traditional music performed by the Coodjingburra Dance Troupe
Produced by Neugh Pty Ltd in association with the Australian Film Commission and SBS Independent.
(c) 1999 Neugh Pty Ltd
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