ABROAD - A new film by John Lynch
Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 18 May, 2012 : - - John Lynch, filmmaker, known for capturing powerful surf footage around the globe, digs deeper in this film to explore how standard tourism can transcend into life-altering experiences. Shot single-handedly by Lynch over the course of a several week stint in Indonesia, the film chronicles the evolution of his journey.
Produced, Directed & Photographed by John Lynch
Edited by Darrin Roberts. With: Alejandro Rodriguez, Eeva Rydberg, Jimmy Richard Harris, Joss Syahrial
Surfing by: Kimbo, Lucas Vasquez , Jaime OʼBrien, John Florence, Pat Gudauskas, Antonio Da Silva, Some Unidentified Chargers
Music
Four Tet - “Love Cry”, “Circling”, She Likes to Fight” Courtesy of Domino Record fourtet.net
Peter Bjorn and John - “Objects of My Affection” Courtesy of EMI, Almost Gold North America peterbjornandjohn.com
Portishead - “Chase the Tear” Courtesy of Matador Records portishead.co.uk
Lynch’s travel for the film was funded in equal part by PENTAX and Waterways Travel. On the surface, this was a routine expedition to test out a new camera and ride beautiful waves. However, Lynch felt something more complex was occurring. He reflects, “I left the States with a general question lingering in my mind: When does the tourist become a traveler?”
John says “Thanks to everyone who helped along the way and to anyone I handed the camera off to.”
Cinematographer and director John Lynch released his newest film, ABROAD, on Tuesday, May 15th. The veteran filmmaker, known for capturing powerful surf footage around the globe, digs deeper in this film to explore how standard tourism can transcend into life-altering experiences. Shot single-handedly by Lynch over the course of a several week stint in Indonesia, the film chronicles the evolution of his journey.
Lynch’s travel for the film was funded in equal part by PENTAX and Waterways Travel. On the surface, this was a routine expedition to test out a new camera and ride beautiful waves. However, Lynch felt something more complex was occurring. He reflects, “I left the States with a general question lingering in my mind: ‘When does the tourist become a traveler?’
After listlessly island hopping for a few weeks, Lynch landed in a remote village in Sumatra, an area ravaged by a 2010 tsunami. There he met a couple travelers who helped him answer his question. With their influence, the trip transformed into a quest to bring backpacks and rudimentary desks to the 40 students of the village.
A unique facet of this film is that Lynch shot the entire piece with no crew. Despite this, he managed to make it appear as though a cameraman walked behind him during much of the film. This clever technique was made possible by a PENTAX wide angle camera lens and a bit of calculated positioning in how he held the camera.
Discussing the message of his new film, Lynch states, “It’s about how meeting fellow travelers can open up your world. I hope this movie encourages others to get off the tourist trail, throw away their itineraries, and get involved with something out of their comfort zone; stepping in to make a difference is much more rewarding than just being an observant tourist.” On a personal level, he found satisfaction in the fact that he “did not just find a story to tell, but lived a story worth telling.”
In keeping with the film’s philanthropic vibe, Abroad is free to all on Lynch’s website: www.Lynchfilm.com.
The director’s future plans include a few projects he has been developing and possibly another Abroad chronicle.
Donate to Mercy Corps mercycorps.org/donate
Buy Portishead track here to support Amnesty International: 7digital.com/portisheadamnesty
www.lynchfilm.com
www.pentaximaging.com
www.waterwaystravel.com
About John Lynch
John Lynch IV picked up a camera at age 10 and never looked back. Over twenty years later, he still pursues stories that will impact others. Lynch has produced several film projects, including “Change the Subject” in 2004, and his work has appeared on such major channels as PBS, ESPN, Discovery Channel and VH-1. A dedicated surfer and ardent traveler, Lynch finds inspiration in the cultures and music he encounters around the globe. He was raised on a small barrier island on the Atlantic coast of Florida, where his life-long love affair with the ocean took root. Lynch currently lives in Los Angeles, a city he values for its rich diversity and cinematic history.
Source: Lynch Films