When the highly anticipated documentary Bra Boys was set to be released this past spring, I had a lot of questions swirling in my mind about how a film that seeks to tell a very controversial and very real story would be received. As with most films, especially those dealing with as sensitive and highly charged story-lines as those throughout Bra Boys, the weeks leading up to and then following the film’s release invoked a wide variety of thoughts and points of view. Now here we are a little over two months following the opening premier in Sydney and it appears Bra Boys has successfully grabbed the attention of those not just within the surfing community, but all over the world.

After a successful launch in Southern California, New York and Hawaii, Bra Boys is now trying to fulfill the unexpected demand to markets outside of those that you would typically expect to see a surf-film be received. Berkela Films has announced more showings of the film in states such as Texas, Oregon, South Carolina, and many other areas that weren’t originally anticipated. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the film’s momentum since its premiere in LA last month,” said Berkela Films co-founder Jason Bergh. “Many weren’t sure how the film would be received in the U.S., and their queries are easily answered with the amount of new theaters we are opening and the myriad of requests we are doing our best to honor.”

I came away from Bra Boys very impressed and I’m looking forward to seeing it again. Clearly there are going to be some very different views from others who’ve seen it, but to me it was a very rewarding dive into a story that has been surrounded with so much controversy. Many within the surf community are familiar with the Abberton family and the issues they have faced in recent years but Bra Boys opened the door and helped to show the dynamics of a community that embraces surfing and brotherhood as much as any I’ve ever known.

And for those who have yet to see it but are putting it on their “to-do” list, remember the name “Cyclops.” Bra Boys contains surf footage that went beyond anything I have ever even dreamed of surfing and that in itself made this a movie that I will not soon forget.

Tags: Bra Boys

Posted by Shaun on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008 in Surfing.

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