As someone who surfs and has parents who met while traveling (Mom from Australia, Dad from the U.S. – they met in Greece in the 60’s) I’ve been looking forward to seeing the film, Given since I read about the concept in a 2015 Surfer’s Journal article titled “A Faith Born of Precognitive Adventures.”

The website for the film describes it this way:

“Given is the simple yet powerfully contemplative story of a unique family legacy come full circle. Told through the visceral experience of a 6 yr. old, Given follows legendary surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin from their island home of Kauai through 15 different countries in the quest for surf and to fulfill a calling handed down through generations.”

Having a two-year-old of my own (translation – very little time for movies) and living out of range of the screening tour, I’ve been forced to wait until its digital release date. I’m psyched to report that Given is now available for download through the official website.

While it’s not a surf film in the typical sense it does offer well crafted glimpses of inspired wave riding. More omnipresent are cinematographically rich shots of the road and seas traveled, places stayed, and cultures experienced by the surf-steeped protagonists. By the end, it also manages to convey a great story.

sources and links: