Daytona State College Partners with Florida Surf Film Festival for August 17 Showing at DSC’s News-Journal Center

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (August 2, 2024) – Daytona State College and the School of Digital Media Production have entered into a two-year partnership with the Florida Surf Film Festival presented by Monster Energy, kicking off with hosting the Festival’s third event of 2024 at DSC’s News-Journal Center on Saturday, August 17.

The showing includes a series of short films, including “Return to Zero,” shot in 16mm by Amado Stachenfeld, chronicling the life (and death) of a single surfboard, and culminating with the feature documentary “Water Brother” by Charles and Daniel Kinnane, following the life of East Coast legend and culture icon Sid Abbruzzi.

“Our new partnership with Daytona State opens up the film festival to a much bigger audience and we’re looking forward to where we can take it,” said festival director John Brooks. “We’ve got films that will appeal to hard core surf enthusiasts and anyone who loves the ocean.”

Tickets are $30 for adults 11 and older. Student passes for all college, high school and younger patrons are available for $10. The festival also offers a VIP option. Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/DSC_FSFF24. 

"I am thrilled to announce our partnership with the Florida Surf Film Festival," said Brad Moody, Chair of the School of Digital Media Production at Daytona State College. “This collaboration offers our students unparalleled opportunities to engage with the film industry, gain real-world experience, and enrich our educational programs. We look forward to a dynamic and inspiring partnership that will highlight the incredible creativity of our students."

The first segment of the night kicks off with a series of short films, including “Return to Zero,” by Amado Stachenfeld (possibly in attendance), a 16mm film about the life and death shown through the evolving versions of a single surfboard. Next, “A 1700 Mile Search” from Director Ben Herrgott follows a group of seasoned surfers on their “Western Aleutian Wave Exploration,” the pinnacle of their careers. They discovered surf potential around 30 unexplored islands that form the archipelago with a beautiful soundtrack originally scored on the boat. Closing out the first segment is a short film from Sacramento born non-surfer Andy Woodward, “Noah: Art of Surfing.” Andy and Noah Beschen collaboratively create a masterpiece of stunning visuals that combine the raw and explosive talent of Noah with Andy’s creative vision. Throw in a thumping soundtrack, and it’s an interactive treat for the senses. Noah will be in attendance for a Q&A following the film. 

The feature of the night is “Water Brother” from directors Charles and Daniel Kinnane, a documentary that follows the life of Sid Abbruzzi, an East Coast legend and culture icon. (This feature is a rated R equivalent film for language and adult situations.) The film explores Sid’s lifelong passion for surfing, skating, and his commitment to protecting the sport’s history and culture. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, personal interviews, and large format cinematic footage, including exclusive interviews with giants of the surf, skate, and art world, this documentary takes the audience on a journey through the history of surfing and skating – from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, and beyond. Sid and crew will be in attendance for a Q&A following the film.

Daytona State’s News-Journal Center is located at 221 North Beach Street in Daytona Beach.

Florida Surf Film Festival Schedule

Daytona State College News-Journal Center

Saturday, August 17, 2024

5 p.m.

• Doors open

6:30 p.m. 

• Commencement with John Brooks, Festival Director
• “Return to Zero” – Amado Stachenfeld – 26 min.
• “A 1700 Mile Search” – Ben Herrgott – 20 min.
• “Noah: Art of Surfing” – Andy Woodward – 24 min.
• Q and A with Amado Stachenfeld and Noah Beschen - 15 min.
• Raffle – Roark, Globe, Creatures of Leisure

8:30 p.m.

• “Water Brother” – Charles and Daniel Kinnane – 92 min. - (This feature is a rated R equivalent film for language and adult situations.)
• Q&A with Sid Abruzzi and directors Charles and Daniel Kinnane
• Raffle – Nixon, Yeti, Cronin Surfboards