Film News

Somewhere Near Tapachula wins the People’s Choice Award at Yallingup Surfilm Fest

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 1 February, 2010 : - - This inspiring documentary tells the story of the children of Mision Mexico, and how they have been introduced to surfing as a kind of healing therapy to help them overcome their traumatic backgrounds. Many of the children and their families have been the victims of drug gangs and the indiscriminate violence they wield across Mexico.

Young Sydney filmmakers Jonno Durrant and Stefan Hunt spent over two months living at Mision Mexico to document the often heart-breaking stories of the children. Ultimately, it is a film about the healing power of love, and the transformative role surfing can play in helping young and vulnerable people find their path.

Australian couple Alan and Pam Skuse have relocated their lives and sold their home to care for more than 50 abandoned children at Mision Mexico. Located near the dangerous border town of Tapachula, Mision Mexico provides a home for children who have been orphaned, or the victims of abuse, or whose parents suffer drug or alcohol addiction.

“Surfing is giving these kids a challenge, a challenge to better themselves,” says Pam. “They are learning qualities like patience and perseverance ...  It also provides a place of escape from their pasts that haunt them.”

This is the second film from Jonno and Stefan, whose debut Surfing 50 States earned rave reviews across Australia and the US. Their new film represents a giant leap from the slapstick comedy of 50 States and struck a powerful chord with the audience at Yallingup.

“This film was really challenging to make compared to Surfing 50 States,” says Stefan. “Filming with the kids who we grew so close to, hearing what they'd gone through and having to keep asking questions when you can see them reminiscing about a type of suffering that we will never comprehend, it was hard.”

Jonno and Stefan’s goal now is to raise $100,000 for Mision Mexico through the release of the film.

Stefan and Jonno are extremely honoured to have won the People’s Choice Award at the inaugural Yallingup Surfilm Festival. “ This is truly awesome, it has been an honor to attend the festival, whose team have spoilt Moacir ( the oldest of the Mision’s orphans) and I to the max. To win the award on top of that, is almost incredible. Thank you to the YSF audience and to Festival Director Jesca Maas!” says Stefan.

www.yallingupsurfilm.com

What's your take on this?
Post your thoughts: SV Forum

New Survey: Map Surfing’s future 

More Australasian Surfing News available here
Check the latest Australasian Surf Reports and Forecasts

New! B2B News ASBE-Surf   |  Receive News-Alerts

Jesca Maas

Film - Surfersvillage