(LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ) -- Lighthouse International Film Society presents a screening of Facing Monsters on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 7:30pm. The screening takes place at Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences (120 Long Beach Blvd, Loveladies, NJ). Facing Monsters is a feature-length big wave surf documentary that follows the heavy-water hunting hellman Kerby Brown, but the thing is, this isn’t just another big wave surf doc. 

Like many Aussies, he grew up near the ocean and spent his youth facing mightier and mightier waves, pushing the limits of his body and mind. Facing Monsters peels back the layers and uncovers the mind space of Kerby and why he surfs the waves he does. Addiction, self-destruction and fear of being ‘part of the machine’ seemingly led Kerby to a crossroads of self-demise or deadly waves.

According to Garage Films, “It’s a film about fear, addictions, and family bonds as we explore what drives Kerby, what anchors him, and why he’s obsessed with pitting himself against one of nature’s most intimidating forces.”  Kerby Brown must conquer the waves. And the bigger, taller, more powerful, and unpredictable they are, the stronger his burning desire to surf, even if he might be engulfed in them. 

Tickets are $10 online / $12 at the door and FREE for LIFS Members! Tickets are available for purchase online. Seating is limited. Advance reservations encouraged & appreciated. Arrive  approximately 20 min prior to screening time.  

The cameras follow Brown as he surfs where nobody has ever dared to: on and underwater, from a bird’s eye view, and through the eyes of his father and brother, who join him in the water. Behind and between the spectacular sights, the film reveals Brown’s remarkable personality and the difficulties it poses to his family. What monsters will he face on those waves? And will a severe injury cause him to quit?

Facing Monsters digs deep into the psyche of West Australian surfer Kerby Brown, a man whose connection with the ocean runs as deep as his love for his family. Far more than just a surfing story, it's an unapologetic musing into the essence of Kerby and his family as we join them on his quest to ride a ferocious slab wave in the deep Southern Ocean that no one on the planet has surfed before.

The unconditional love of family and family support is felt through the screen as it naturally falls into place. Kerby's brother Cortney whose adoration for his brother pops right out.He is Kerby's wingman and the wind beneath his sails and the centerpiece of the film. Kerby's father is another deep aspect to the film, as his father's musical talent is a constant throughout the film as he voices his regrets. The family relationships will touch you deeply as will the beautiful cinematography by Rick Rifici.

Featuring stunning cinematography by Rick Rifici (Breath, Blueback), we are right there with Kerby immersed in the ferocity of the Southern Ocean and the thunder of its deadly monsters as he prepares to take on the ride of his life, We become part of Kerby’s journey into the unknown as Facing Monsters transports viewers to places and feelings never before experienced on the big screen. This film will take your breath away. You will be mesmerized by the cinematography and touched by the story. 

LIFSociety would like to thank their sponsors Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Foundation and South End Surf and Paddle for their support.