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Catching the Ultimate Wave Just Got Easier |
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Written by Niki Schuck
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Monday, 09 August 2010 |
9 August – Surfing fans are in for a treat with EVENT Cinemas securing the exclusive 3D showing of The Ultimate Wave Tahiti.
Surfers often mention the search for the perfect wave. This quest is sometimes misunderstood by those not immersed in surf culture. The new giant screen production, The Ultimate Wave Tahiti, aims to change that—bringing the science and magic of waves and wave riding to the Giant Screen.
The most iconic surfer of modern times, Kelly Slater and famed Tahitian waterman, Raimana Van Bastolaer, engage with each other and the wave known as Teahupo’o in an epic visual experience that brings the quest for the perfect wave to life.
Jane Hastings, general manager of EVENT Cinemas in New Zealand says the 45 minute documentary is not just aimed at surfing fans.
“While there is no doubt surfing fans will love this movie, because it is in 3D it will appeal to people who love sport and that sense of adventure.”
Director Stephen Low explains that the film explores the idea that no two waves are the same but that all waves share common traits.
“Like Kelly Slater himself – the epitome of what the best surfer in the world should be in terms of athletic prowess, intelligence and courage – to many the wave at Teahupo’o is indeed the ‘ultimate wave.’ Its speed, structure, volume, mass, architecture and delivery of millions of pounds of ocean water in thundering cadence is unparalleled. To Slater and others, Teahupo’o is truly a unique ocean wave, and the perfect classroom to discuss the mystery that is a wave. Tahitians have such great respect for the ocean and this particular wave.”
Born in the southern ocean, Teahupo’o swells range thousands of miles towards the idyllic island of Tahiti and the archipelagos of French Polynesia. Some of the waves come violently ashore; others lap into the lagoon as docile as the evening breeze. Their brethren careen on towards Hawaii and some reach the distant shores of North or South America – but few of these compare to the majesty of Teahupo’o when in full force.
The film and its title are invitations to explore the critical relationships between people and the ocean. The film is not a big wave surf movie, depicting the world’s best surfer challenging hazardous conditions and prevailing. Rather, it is a big movie about surf. Surf is the term most usually applied to the final stages of any wave’s maturation - when built-up energy and gravity combine to topple the wave crest resulting in chaotic foam.“We not set out to make another surfing movie. Instead, we took the desire to educate others about the ocean and weaved our perspectives amidst historical Tahitian lore and modern science. With National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) input and the contributions of other experts, Kelly and Raimana demonstrate how rich and magical our interaction with the ocean can be, above and below the seas.” Low added.
For his part, Slater – surfing’s leading statesman – sets aside his arsenal of skills as he and Raimana playfully enjoy Teahupo’o during a lull. Together they surf, paddle outrigger canoes and flirt with the milder Teahupo’o on stand-up boards. And when the thunder sets in, Slater alone paddles out and tames this infamous reef break with the ease of a man at one with his environment.
The Ultimate Wave Tahiti is A Stephen Low Film, in Association with K2 Communications and havoc Television. Presented by Suzuki, with supporting sponsorships from Tahiti Tourisme and Quiksilver.
The Ultimate Wave Tahiti will screen exclusively at EVENT Cinemas in the following locations:
Auckland – Queen Street, ST. Lukes, Westcity, Albany and Manukau
Hamilton – Chartwell
Lower Hutt – Queensgate
Tickets are $12.50 and are on sale now for the week commencing 2 September. Screenings will be for one week on the Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday. For more information go to www.eventcinemas.co.nz ENDS
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