A short documentary on what surfing and the ocean means to different surfers. It tracks surfers from Cornwall all the way to California. The film also features charity Life Works, who do amazing work with disabled children.

Interview with Director Simon Cotter

Watch The Joy Of Surfing here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thanks ! I made the film as I love surfing and the ocean, so I thought to try and capture this love I and others have into a little film.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

Ha well if you want a varied 5 minute cross section of what surfing means to a bunch of surfers from the UK to the USA, engaging with it in a holistic way, then take a peek ! Hopefully it leaves you thankful, inspired and challenged !

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Deep question ! I think both are at work in this film The Joy of Surfing. As it captures the individual responses to the ocean/surfing, that are very personal and subjective. Yet, it also highlights the common theme found throughout the world, of a love for the ocean/surfing, the playground it is and the objective truths behind it.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Well the original thought was it was going to be a full length film, then I realised that the project could go on forever so I thought to get a 5 minute highlight hit out there !

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Yeah it has been positive, which is always great ! Some from surprising places.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Yeah to have certain people coming out of their way to let you know they are stoked with the film, is very cool !

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Well I love story telling and capturing emotion ! So it is always good to have platforms that others can potentially enjoy your work. And if there are opportunities for me to work with others in this area, then super stoked !

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Well if folk wanted to make a full length cinema/netflix feature or web series called The Joy of Surfing, then all of the above. Could be amazing and cover a lot of areas, from the psychological area, how surfing helps people with PST (post traumatic stress) and street children to maybe the unifying part of surfing found in places such as Israel and Palestine. You could do a sequel called The Dark Side of Surfing, looking at the rage, selfishness and environmental issues. Would make good, interesting viewing.

But the short version, I think stands as it is. Maybe a good pointer to a bigger project if anyone was interested.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I think film in its best mode, inspires, challenges and informs. So if my little film does any of those, I am stoked.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Why are we designed to feel Joy ? Why are things able to give us joy ? What is the Joy of Surfing?

Would you like to add anything else?

Thank you for your interest and enjoy !!!

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Tando: The Story

Capturing the story of a street child from Durban, South Africa, and how he came to be surfing the beaches of the world.

Length: TBC either a one off, or a series

Director: Simon Cotter

Writer: Simon Cotter/Tom Hweitt

Key cast: Tando

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Supporters

Funders: Would be good. To branch out to a series.

Made in association with: Surfers Not Street Children

Interview: January 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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The Joy of Surfing

Length: 4.31 minutes

Director: Simon Cotter

Key cast: Featuring Bude surfers Reubyn and Joss Ash, Bing surfboard shaper Matt Calvani, surfers Mick Rodgers and Troy Mothershead, with a cameo appearance from the legendary Joel Tudor and his son Tosh Tudor.

HELPING TO RAISE AWARENESS OF CHARITY LIFE WORKS
lifeworks-uk.org/our-services/sport-and-leisure/

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Funders: Ruwac Productions

Made in association with: Ruwac Productions and life works charity.

Where can I see it in the next month? online!