The Byron Bay International Film Festival is seriously stoked that legendary surf filmmaker Jack McCoy will be both screening a sneak preview of his latest film at this year’s festival, and presenting a Masterclass, as part of the official Festival Program.
With over 25 award-winning films to his credit, McCoy’s Masterclass will focus on water photography. He’ll share clips and stories from some of the television commercials, documentary, music video and feature films he’s worked on during his surf film career.
“After receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s X-Dance Film Festival, I feel the stoke to share as much as I can with any and all filmmakers and anyone interested in the ocean!” Jack McCoy said.
The festival will be screening a sneak preview of  McCoy’s latest surf film, A Deeper Shade of Blue, as part of the 2012 programme. Part historical documentary, part biopic, part action sports film, by any standards it is a surf film epic. Tracing surfing’s earliest origins from ancient Hawaii, through to its banishment by puritanical evangelizing colonialists, to its revival thanks to the courage of a rebellious Hawaiian Princess, the film presents surfing as an art form rather than as a sport. It showcases new underwater filmmaking techniques, traces the evolution of surfboard design, the ongoing development of surfing styles/manoeuvre, flags up the influence of skating, wake boarding and snowboarding, and a futuristic new design of hydrofoil surfboard.
McCoy digs deep into the surfing story with this film. This is not a surf movie; it is a film about surfing’s deepest roots. With a depth of understanding, Â A Deeper Shade of Blue explores the birth of the culture, a solid history , and considered overview of surf in popular culture, from design to competition to soul surfing.
Jack McCoys Masterclass will take place at Pighouse Flicks, Byron Bay at 1pm on Saturday 10th March. A Deeper Shade of Blue will screen on Sunday 11th March, also at Pighouse Flicks, Byron Bay. These two exclusive events have a limited capacity so get your tickets early. Further programming and ticketing information for all events at BBFF 2012 is now available on the festival website at www.bbff.com.au.