Industry News

They're standing at the bottom of the cinema, microphone in hand, about to answer questions from the Durban audience at the South African premiere of their global film tour for "Fighting Fear" - They are director, producer and driving force of the filmamking process, Macario De Souza, who's previous film "Bra Boys" was a global hit with surf fraternity. Next to him, his two best friends: the towering figure of infamous big wave surfer Mark Mathews, who's name is synonymous with charging massive Shipsterns, and Richie Vaculik,  hard charging surfer and recent-MMA World Title contender.

"Following Bra Boys, We wanted to make a film that focused more on the personal relationships rather than the dramatic circumstances" says Macario. "A lot of people took the Bra Boys message the wrong way, so this time around, we wanted to show that having positive roles models can get you out of shit sometimes"  
 

 

The film itself, narrated by Joel Edgerton, takes you through the lives of the young tearaways from Maroubra. Ritchie and Mark - bonded together by a love for surfing, and a mutual support for each other as both their parents split up around the same time. The spirit of the Bra Boys is also a compelling factor as the youngsters push the boundaries in and out of the water always trying to impress the older guys.

The film is made up of mostly of real-life footage from Ritchie and Mark's exploits as Mark chases swells around the world, and Ritchie finds himself on the fast track to a competitive MMA career. This is interspersed with interviews from friends, family, love interests and fellow professional surfers and fighters. Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, BJ Penn and Bruce Irons all contribute in this area which gives an interesting insight into the respect that Mark and Ritchie have garnered from the best athletes in their respective fields. The family interviews are honest and compelling, especially as both our protagonists find themselves facing life-altering circumstances - like jail-time and hospitalisation.
 

Both Mark and Ritchie face potential jail sentences for various violent misdemeanors, and both suffer serious injury threats which almost kill them on various occasions. The point of the film though is to ultimately show how the unwavering friendship and support between Mark and Ritchie, get them through their personal setbacks as well as help them overcome the obstacles in their professional paths.



Fighting Fear is an emotionally engaging film, that literally takes you into the double-stepped mutant that is Shipsterns, into the Octagon of a Word Title MMA fight and into the hearts and lives of two best mates overcoming the odds to achieve their dreams.

If you're up for a beautifully shot, adrenaline soaked journey, and you enjoyed Bra Boys, you must check out this film.

Review by Iain, All images by Mike Van Heerden/ODM.