Self Discovery for Social Survival

Self Discovery for Social Survival is a 2019 visual and auditory adventure from filmmaker Chris Gentile and produced by Pilgrim Surf + Supply. With a running time of 54 minutes, this documentary takes the audience on a radical new kind of exploratory voyage. The film gives an insider look at the world of surfing, but it’s not your typical surf culture documentary. It progresses beyond the traditional frames of surf videos and dips into the deep philosophical waters of connection, mindlessness, and the paradoxical nature of society's interaction with nature.

The documentary features pro surfers Jamie Brisick, Ari Browne, and Ryan Burch, amongst others. These exceptional athletes lend their first-hand experiences and offer insightful commentary throughout the film. The beauty of their journey transcends the concept of surfing being an adventurous sport and brings to light profound life lessons and the deeper way of understanding our existence and role within the world.

The movie traverses several different international locales, each presented with exemplary cinematography. The magnificent backdrops of the Maldives, Iceland, and Mexico are not only visually stunning but they also provide a contrasting and edifying backdrop to the surfers' excursions. This stark difference in surfing environments emphasizes the film's theme: our relationship with nature and its delicate ecosystems, which are seen and experienced in an entirely new perspective with Mother Nature's most playful child – the sea.

Self Discovery for Social Survival puts forth the narrative in such a way that it feels like an exploration, a venture into the unknown with each wave that crashes on the shore. This isn't just about surfing - it's about the bond formed between human spirit and the unpredictable energy of the sea, with water being the existential element that supports, challenges, and liberates the human body and mind.

The film carries an ethereal soundtrack - composed and performed by Allah Las, Connan Mockasin, Andrew VanWyngarden of MGMT, and Peaking Lights. These harmonious tunes blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of the surf, creating a transcendental feeling and perfectly capturing the different moods of the sea - from the serenity of the glassy flat waters to the violent rage of the tempest. The music is an omnipresent character of its own, acting as an audio guide, compelling you to tune in with the rhythm of the sea, and by extension, the rhythm of life.

The principal stars, Brisick, Browne, and Burch contribute to the film by sharing their intimate understanding of the surf, their connection with the sea, and how their interactions shape their personal and social perspectives. Burch, known for his innovative board designs and surf techniques, provides insightful commentary on the relationships between humans and the environment. Browne, an Australian stylish surfboard rider, delves into the introspective elements surf play in personal discovery. Brisick, a renowned surfer and writer, communicates the transformational journey one undertakes and the vitality of embracing change and evolving.

From the technical perspective, Self Discovery for Social Survival stands out due to its use of vibrant visuals and capturing Nature's raw beauty. Superb camera work extends from breathtaking bird's eye views to deep underwater shots, offering you a rounded perspective about the profound depths and expansive vastness of the globe's aquatic playgrounds. Coupled with a hypnotic score, the film swims through an abstract realm that's emotional, rational, and sensorial at the same time.

In essence, the film is a blissful paradox of high adrenaline surfing and soothing introspection that usually comes with a Symphony music. It manages to capture the thrilling act of riding a surfboard on an immense ocean wave and the meditative mindfulness that a surfer experiences when gliding along the undulated surface of the sea. The film doesn't simply explore the physical aspect of surfing, but it places a strong emphasis on its existential impact, making it a voyage of self-discovery and a contemplation of our social settings.

Self Discovery for Social Survival is a modern kind of travelogue, a visual poem, and an invitation for introspection – an introspection that goes beyond the realm of surfing. It resonates with everyone who seeks to understand their place in the world and yearns to witness the incredible power and beauty of nature. And through it all, the film beautifully captures the fact that maybe in the journey and not the destination, we find our real purpose, a discovery of oneself for the survival in society.