JAWS Featured In Upcoming Local Surf Documentary

By Madeline Ziecker

Image courtesy of Peahi Media Productions.

Maui Now spoke with Wangdu Hovey, director and producer of an upcoming surf documentary, Jaws: Changing The Game (2012), that makes its US premiere at the MACC on Sunday, June 17 at 8 p.m. as part of the Maui Film Festival.

The film is approximately 46 minutes-long and includes “an in-depth, high-action look at the players who are changing the game, doing what was previously deemed impossible.”

“I’ve always been in awe of Jaws (Peahi), but there has always been a limitation for most surfers who don’t have access to a jet ski and all the equipment you need to surf it,” said Hovey.

“Now the kids and a few older guys are charging it on their surfboards, old fashioned style.”

The documentary stars twin bothers DK and Shaun Walsh – younger siblings of Maui-raised surf star Ian Walsh. Other familiar faces in the film include Brazilian Jaws paddle-in pioneer Marcio Freire, Australian 2012 Billabong XXL “Ride of the Year” finalist Jeff Rowley, Nakoa Devoite, Paige Alms, Dave Wassel, and Maui-bred Innersection winners Albee Layer and Matt Meola.

Hovey said he and his Peahi Surf Media crew wanted to produce something different in the surfing world that focuses less on “high-action”surf clip cliche’s like music and special effects and more on surf itself- the raw and exciting energy inspired by big waves like Jaws.

Jaws 2012. Photo by Madeline Ziecker.

“I also want to show the love of it on film to the hardcore surf fans and an even wider audience of people who don’t surf or have never even seen the ocean,” said Hovey.

The film makes its world premiere June 1 at the Surf Film Festibal in San Sebastian, Spain just before its US premiere right here in Maui.

The Maui screening event includes a pre-reception with free Peahi Surf Media giveaways and an autograph signing. Since it’s simultaneously Father’s Day, Peahi Surf Media will give out a few free surf boards and artwork to some lucky dads.

Click here to see the documentary preview.

Hovey plans to do some more local screenings of ‘Jaws: Changing The Game’ in the Fall following the premiere. To keep updated on the Peahi Surf Media project and future screening times visit their Facebook page.