"Highwater" Premier: Surf Documentary

Surfers and movie lovers gathered on the Santa Monica Pier for the world premiere of the almost finished film "Highwater" on May 22. Hundreds joined on the cool Friday evening and sat in lawn chairs underneath the bright lights of the Ferris wheel to catch the Surfing flick on a giant screen near the ocean. 

Churros and Kettle Corn were being sold throughout the audience and sponsor booths such as Z Boardinghouse, Surfrider Foundation and Life Rolls on Foundation were all present for the awaited evening.

"Highwater" is a documentary created by Brown, famed for others surf movies such as Endless Summer II, Step into Liquid and Dust To Glory. His newest work "Highwater" is on the 2005 Van Triple Crown surf competition that takes place on the North Shore of Oahu every year.

It tells a story of competitors and surfers that share the passion for the extreme sport surfing that draws them to the extravaganza of the North Shore during the Van's Triple Crown of Surfing.

Over the course of 55 days every year, these fierce contests bombard the reputable Oahu as thousands of surfers, followers, and media observe some of the world's most stunning waves and high-performance surfing. 

Brown chronicles the events and brings the audience into close contact with the power of the ocean, athleticism, and devotion of those who call it their playground. Triumph, tragedy and inspiration are included through the two-hour-long film.

"The film is almost done and I hope you all like it," said Dana Brown, filmmaker. As Brown narrates, breathtaking shots of high powerful waves crash in the aquatic blue Hawaiian ocean waters as surfers ride and rip through them.

The adventurous film, humorously and skillfully documents professional surfers in action of their profession. Kelly Slater, Rochelle Ballard, Sunny Garcia and Pancho Sullivan are some of the surfers that share their story and are exposed throughout the film.

"I hope Kelly Slater is here tonight and I hope to see him," said Sarah Brunner, 19, of Hancock Park. 

Brunner has been surfing for seven years and came out to the premiere because she heard about the film on her uncle's Facebook page and is a fan of Slater.

The soundtrack for "Highwater" features performances by Jake Shimabukuro, Switchfoot, Steve Sommers, Slightly Stupid, Matt Coasta, The Mother Hips, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Xavier Rudd, Ryan Ferguson, Wolfmother, Dylan Donkin, Billy Shaddox and composer Phil Marhsall.