The September Sessions

Jack Johnson is virtually unknown outside the surfing fraternity, but it shouldn't be that way, not if you take into account this fabulous surfing film and his immaculate acoustic-based CD, Brushfire Fairytales. A jack of three trades, Johnson started out as a pro surfer who, after a serious accident, took up the daunting challenge of filming other surfers, while knocking up a laidback record on the side. Shot on 16mm stock, the colour palette tweaked here and there, this is a strikingly evocative surfing documentary. Aside from the glowing images, with shots of the cameraman's buddies riding some glorious tubes, what makes this warm, gently paced film such a treat is the accompanying soundtrack provided by various Johnson acquaintances. The final languid moments unravel to Johnson's 'F-Stop Blues' - an emotionally satisfying end to an unpretentious gem of a film.