Surf on, Europe!

I've been to the cinema premiere in Cologne and had a wonderful evening. The whole audience applauded at the end of the documentary. The film crew answered questions and even one protagonist attended the interview.

In contrary to many other documentaries this one doesn't need what most others do to create "a story" : human abysses, bad mood drama, depressing themes and shaky images. I'm tired of documentaries like these.

Here instead we see the champion's league: A colorful concept of a puzzle of three interesting protagonists and their stories of fighting for their own kind of freedom combined in to one movie is just as genius as the breathtaking landscape and surf footage. The sound was soo good; especially that one track where many surfers around Europe were shown doing and being united in what they love most, gave me goosebumps! All in all everything was so harmonious, still full of tension, tears, joy and love. I'll keep this movie and it's message in my mind for a long time.

I did like every aspect of this documentary and especially the fact that documentaries can be light and beautiful and still be full of meaning and impact.

Surf on!!! "Surf on, Europe!" may many people watch it!

I saw one of the premieres in Zurich with the director of photography, Noah von Thun, attending and answering questions from the crowd. This movie is one of those very few that kept me focused and completely immersed for the entire ninety minutes. For one, the photography is excellent, with fantastic takes especially of Northern Irish surf breaks. In addition the three main protagonists are all fascinating human beings, each struggling with their own difficult pasts and possibilities of a better future. Lastly, it is a confrontation with the soul of Europe and what its hard borders mean for refugees escaping poorer places.