The Surfer's Journal Season 3 Episode 10 Filmmakers - Witzig/Falzon
- February 16, 1996
- 24 min
Season three, episode ten of The Surfer's Journal, titled "Filmmakers - Witzig/Falzon", explores the lives and works of two pioneering surf filmmakers: Alby Falzon and Paul Witzig.
Both Witzig and Falzon played a significant role in shaping the surf film genre in the 1960s and 1970s. The episode showcases their struggle to create a new type of surf film, different from the Beach Party movies of the time. The episode delves into how both filmmakers were interested in documenting the culture and lifestyle of surfing, rather than simply showcasing the sport.
Through the insightful interviews with the filmmakers, their friends, and surfers who lived through that golden era, viewers get a rare glimpse into their journey and creative process. The episode highlights how Witzig's groundbreaking film "Free Ride" and Falzon's "Morning of the Earth" helped establish modern-day surf films.
The episode also celebrates the work of the two men beyond their iconic films. Witzig is widely regarded as the inventor of the surf-cam, and the episode reveals how he created the contraption that enabled him to capture surfers riding waves from inside the barrels. Falzon's artistic talents extended into filmmaking, music and photography, and the show explores his path to becoming one of the top artists in Australia.
The episode balances the individual testimonies with intimate footage of the waves, the environment, and the lifestyle that characterized the two filmmakers and their work. It shows the beauty of the ocean, the thrill of surfing and how Falzon and Witzig both devoted their lives to capturing that spirit on film.
Ultimately, the episode "Filmmakers - Witzig/Falzon", is a tribute to the innovative and creative minds behind some of the most pioneering surf films in history. It offers insight into the personal and professional motivations that drove their work and how they shaped the surf industry. It's a must-see episode for anyone interested in the culture, history, and art of surfing.