Waveriders April 3rd
April 2nd, 2009
Press Release
CINEMA RELEASE FOR `WAVERIDERS’ 3 APRIL 2009
Excitement is building for the arrival on the big screen of the locally produced feature documentary `Waveriders’ which will have a simultaneous release in selected cinemas throughout Ireland and the UK from Friday 3rd April 2009. The by now acclaimed film is a cross border co-production between Dublin based Inís Films and Derry based Besom Productions. Director Joel Conroy carried the idea for `Waveriders’ in his head for many years before linking up with local Producer Margo Harkin in 2004 to make what some reviewers are now calling the best Irish film for two years. Element Pictures Distribution is handling the release of the award winning documentary on surfing in 18 cinemas from Dublin and Cork to Derry & Belfast. The film will have four screenings daily in the Omniplex in Derry starting at 14.40 with a final screening at 21.45. Check cinema listings for times. Detailed information, trailers and blogs on the film are available on the website www.waveridersthefilm.com
The film explores the little known story of George Freeth, the son of an Irishman, who re-introduced the ancient Polynesian art of wave riding in Hawaii in the early 20th century after it had been stamped out by missionaries. By the time of his untimely death at the age of 35 he was renowned for his legendary skills as a surfer and lifeguard. The film pays fulsome tribute to Freeth’s forgotten legacy and explores the wave of influence he created for surfers everywhere down the years. The unlikely Irish connection to the worldwide phenomenon of surfing comes full circle as we see skilled Irish and British surfers link up with world champion Kelly Slater, soul surfer Kevin Naughton and the renowned Malloy brothers to ride some of the most exciting surf ever seen in Ireland. Legendary local surfer Andy Hill features in a section on Northern Ireland. `Waveriders’ reaches a spectacular climax when local surfers including Portrush man, Al Mennie, ride a monster wave reaching heights of over 50’ off the coast of Mullaghmore in Sligo. `Waveriders’ had its world première at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival in February 2008 where it started its run of awards by winning the Audience Award, the only award of the festival. Since then the film has been regularly picking up nominations and new awards including the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award at the Annual Irish Film & Television Awards 2009 and the Best Sports Documentary at the Celtic Media Festival in Caernarfon 2009.
Screened on 35mm format with Dolby surround sound the film is directed by Joel Conroy of Inís Films, produced by Margo Harkin of Besom Productions, narrated by Cillian Murphy, co-written by Lauren Davies and Joel Conroy with Daniel Trapp as Director of Photography. It features Richard Fitzgerald, Gabe Davies, Kelly Slater, Chris, Keith and Dan Malloy, Kevin Naughton, Arthur Verge, Craig Peterson, Rabbit Kekai, Andy Hill, Alastair Mennie, Easkey Britton and John McCarthy. `Waveriders’ was financed by the European Union Interreg IIIA programme implemented by ICBAN, in association with Northern Ireland Screen, BBC Northern Ireland and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland with the participation of Bord Scannán na hÉireann / The Irish Film Board.
Film duration: 1 hour 20 minutes Screening format: 35mm / Dolby
For contacts and enquiries check: www.waveridersthefilm.com
Multiplex Strand Road 14.40hrs 16.40hrs 18.40hrs 21.45 hrs
