The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s (SLOIFF) most popular event, Surf Nite in SLO, returns this year to the Fremont Theater to celebrate surfing on the big screen. As part of the 30th Anniversary of the Festival, Surf Nite’s featured film is Trilogy: New Wave, scheduled for Friday, April 26.
The evening kicks off at 5:30 with local dance band RIFF TIDE playing a dynamic combination of surf, rock, funk and soul genres. Guests are encouraged to enjoy drinks in the Fremont’s stunning art deco lobby until 7pm for introductory comments and the film presentation.
Trilogy: New Wave tells the story of three elite surfers – Griffin Colapinto, Ethan Ewing and Seth Moniz – who travel to eight remote destinations searching for pristine waves and an escape from the stress of constant competition. As they travel and catch waves at these remote beaches, they are reminded of the importance of balancing their careers alongside their desire to rediscover the joy of surfing free from competition scores. With a mesmerizing mix of big waves, big tricks, and telling the stories of these three surfers before and after their winning titles, TRILOGY shares the bond they’ve built through surfing and the balance between making their hobby a career.
“Since its inception in 2006, Surf Nite in SLO has continued to grow as one of those rare events that is fueled by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd that attends each year,” said Skye McLennan, executive director of SLOIFF. “There is something special about seeing big waves on the big screen at the Fremont Theater, and this is one you won’t want to miss!”
In attendance will be the film’s director, Andrew Mackenzie. A co-founder and the creative director of Aether Films, Mackenzie has predominantly worked in the commercial space, with Trilogy: New Wave being his directorial debut for a feature film. He is no stranger to the surf industry, having been mentored by world renowned surf director Taylor Steele. Mackenzie has directed commercials for a number of surf-related clients including the Kelly Slater Wave Company and World Surf League.
Mackenzie’s knowledge of surfing’s modern landscape and experience with viral content creation ensured this project as a dream fit for him as a director. His creative vision and experience enabled him to both appeal to the built-in surfing audience while simultaneously reaching and growing a new audience.
Surf Nite in SLO is presented by Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 93.3 KZOZ-FM, and Surfing for Hope, a local non-profit organization created to help inspire people challenged by cancer through the positive energy of surfing.
EVENT DETAILS:
- SURF NITE IN SLO – Presented by San Luis Obispo International Film Festival
- Friday, April 26
- 5:30 pm – Cocktail hour with live music
- 7:00 pm – film screening of Trilogy: New Wave with special guest director Andrew Mackenzie
- Location: Fremont Theatre, 1025 Monterey St. San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401
- Tickets: $25 General / $20 Students & SLO Film Society. All-Access passes accepted.
- Online: https://slofilmfest.org/events/
- In Person: Festival Box Office opens mid-April, location TBA
- Day of Show: Fremont Theatre Box Office – tickets will be sold first-come, first-served beginning at 5:30pm