Watch Beyond, an African Surf Documentary

Beyond is a 2017 African surf documentary that explores the value of surfing as a means of experiencing Africa. Directed and produced by filmmaker and surfer, Kai Neville, the documentary takes viewers on a journey through some of the most beautiful and remote locations of the African coastlines. The film centers around British surfer, Sam Bleakley, as he travels through the African coast to meet with local surfers and experience African culture. Through his travels, he discovers the diverse surfing scenes that can be found in Africa and the passion that local surfers have for the sport.

The film opens with Bleakley arriving in Liberia, where he meets with local surfers affiliated with the NGO, Surf Resource Network. The NGO has used the sport of surfing to create an atmosphere of camaraderie and community spirit among young people who have experienced trauma during the country's civil war. Bleakley is amazed by the enthusiastic spirit and dedication of these surfers, who seem to have a deep connection with the ocean and surfing.

From Liberia, Bleakley travels to Sierra Leone, a nation with a coast noted for the quality of its surf breaks. There, he meets up with residents and learns about the richness of Sierra Leone's surfing subculture, in which local surfers have developed their own unique style and approach to the sport.

In Ghana, Bleakley visits a grass-roots surfing community who use the sport as a means of livelihood and conservation of the ocean. These local surfers are determined to advocate for a cleaner ocean and instill a sense of stewardship among children and younger generations about the importance of preserving the environment.

The documentary also highlights the difficulties that local surfers face in terms of ocean pollution, access to equipment and training, and environmental changes. However, the film demonstrates how surfing can be a means of empowerment and inspiration for these communities experiencing these struggles.

Beyond also showcases the magnificent beauty of Africa's coastlines, portraying a vast range of vibrant colors and serene landscapes for awe-inspiring visual storytelling. The film's cinematography is exceptional, capturing the surfing experience from multiple perspectives and showcasing the beauty of the people and landscapes. The film's soundtrack by the Australian musician Chet Faker amplifies the experience of these images and expresses the warm and relaxed atmosphere of African life.

In summary, Beyond is a thrilling, thought-provoking documentary that will captivate viewers with the beauty of the African coasts and the inspiring spirit of the people who inhabit them. The film shows how surfing can bring communities together and foster an appreciation of nature and the environment. Through Bleakley's experiences, viewers are taken on a journey that will make them feel a sense of adventure and an appreciation for surfing that goes beyond the sport itself.

Beyond, an African Surf Documentary is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.