Andrew Kidman chose six of his favorite surfing filmmakers to create short films that were inspired by the sea. The filmmakers include Albert Falzon (Morning Of The Earth), Jon Frank (Litmus), Monty Webber, Michelle Lockwood (Kids) and American underground surf filmmakers Patrick Trefz (Thread) and Richard Kenvin (Hydrodynamica). Kidman also provides four special cuts of his own.

The filmmakers created their short films to music selected by Aaron Curnow from some of the greatest independent contemporary artists; Smog, Sufjan Stevens, Mogwai, My Morning Jacket, Dirty Three, Holly Throsby, Vetiver, Bonnie Prince Billy , The Brown Birds From Windy Hill and Machine Translations.

The quality of songs by these recording artists combined with the infinite beauty of the sea is something breathtaking, to say the least. Add to this the unique style of each filmmaker, their stories brought to life with these wonderful songs, and the result is at times emotional, sometimes harrowing, often funny and heartfelt, but always incredibly thoughtful.

The viewer is left stunned by the vastness of the ocean and the depth of emotion in the music. Says Kidman: “One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a filmmaker is the process of bringing scenes, emotions and stories to life with music. It’s kind of a filmmakers dream to have access to great music and the freedom to make whatever you want without the constraints of trying to make a full length feature or editors wreaking havoc with your work.

This is what I was thinking about when Aaron Curnow and I first had a conversation about this project. I thought something special could come from just letting the filmmakers make what ever they wanted. I hope the project has kept a pure line and that these original thoughts transcend in the viewing”

Last Hope is a film for anyone with a love for the ocean. With the film’s collage approach, mixed with the quiet musical stylings, it presents a side of the life that is often forgotten in these modern times.

Initially the Last Hope DVD is being released with a bonus CD of the films soundtrack. Plus a 24 page booklet with thoughts, interviews and images from the filmmakers in some damn fancy one off packaging.

Andrew Kidman is taking the film on the road this July and his band Brown Birds From Windy Hill will be providing a live score for the film at each show. Special guests (including Machine Translations) will also be appearing along the way.

Tickets for all shows available from oztix.com.au (unless otherwise stated) from tomorrow.

‘Last Hope’ JULY TOUR

• July 2nd Noosa Bowls, Noosa Heads
• July 3rd Old Museum, Brisbane
• July 4th Byron Community Centre, Byron
• July 10th Neverland Bar, Coolangatta
• July 12th Mullumbimby RSL, Mullumbimby
• July 16th Waverly Bowling Club, Bondi
• July 17th Palm Beach RSL, Palm Beach
• July 18th Manly Boat Shed, Manly
• July 19th Heritage Hotel, Wollongong (Tickets from venue)
• July 20th Brass Monkey, Cronulla (Tickets from venue)
• July 21st Royal Exchange, Newcastle

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