Satori Premieres in California

RAZZLE DAZZLE: The historic art deco film theatre will host the Cape Town crew. Photo SLO

The SLO Film Fest (San Luis Obispo Film just north of Santa Barbara near Los Angeles) said they were "delighted to put South Africa in the spotlight this year for its 14th Annual Surf Nite in SLO!"

The California premiere of SATORI takes place at Surf Nite on the Big Screen at the historic Fremont Theatre in San Luis Obispo next Friday, March 15th. SLO are flying out Wall and Komsurf shop owner Rod Torr to attend the premiere, where they will be joined by Shaun Tomson. A local DJ, Adam Montiel from Coast 104.5, will host the evening.

The beautifully cinematic SATORI, shot in dramatic black and white and color, documents a close-knit group of local big wave surfers who have dedicated their lives to the ocean and riding the huge waves of Sunset Reef and Dungeons off Cape Town. “Satori” is a Japanese Buddhist word meaning a sudden moment of awakening or ‘glimpse of truth’ – the essence of surfing for many.

BOARD MEETING: Rick Wall tries to decide on the right board for a big wave sessions off Kommetjie.

While each surfer is surfing these waves for different reasons, the film discovers that there is a connection that unites them – their love and respect for the raw beauty of the ocean. 2017 Surf Nite special guest Chris Bertish is featured in the film along with an interesting cast of characters from all walks of life. Wall and Torr will be in attendance for a Q&A hosted by Coast 104.5’s Montiel.

Shaun Tomson will also join them on stage for the Q&A. A former world surfing champion, Tomson has been described as one of the greatest surfers of all time (Surfing Magazine 2004) and one of the most influential surfers of the century (Surfer Magazine 1999).

Rod Torr founded Kommetjie Surf in 2007, and is passionate about the environment, the ocean and the pursuit of big waves. A lifetime surfer and long time friend of Rick Wall, he was an integral part in seeking funding and assisting with the production of the film.

BIG WAVE SHOOTING: Standing on a RIB trying to get the money shot ain't always easy.

Opening for SATORI will be Can't Steal Our Vibe, a 30-minute documentary produced for Vans about the 2017 surfboard drive to benefit Waves for Change in Cape Town. The film, which premiered at the Wavescape Surf & Ocean Festival, follows the journey of pro surfers Patrick, Dane and Tanner Gudauskas, and Michael February, to provide surfboards and a positive outlet to disadvantaged youngsters to help overcome the adversities of poverty, violence and abuse. Nash will attend, along with Dane Gudauskas.

Surf Nite in SLO is presented by Surfing for Hope, a non-profit organisation in nearby Pismo Beach created to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.

Surf Nite is also presented by the City of Pismo Beach and sponsored by Cliffs Hotel and Spa, SeaVenture, Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort, Apple Farm Inn, Coast 104.5, Quality Suites San Luis Obispo, Anthony Peckham and Hilary Saner.

TWO WALLS: Rick Wall has hit the motherlode with his film about South African big wave surfing.