We never really set out to produce films. However, over time we started recording some of our cold water surf trips and they became short films. Film is a beautiful medium to share adventure and along the way we have documented a few memorable trips. This year we've been working a couple of new films that we are excited to share with you soon: a profile of Bryce Young and a feature film following Torren Martyn and Aiyana Powell’s year long journey down the Indonesian Archipelago on a 35ft sailing boat.
Ishka Folkwell is the master filmmaker behind most of our films. We wanted to celebrate his amazing work by sharing some of his previous films with you. Have a spare hour or two? Here are a few adventures from the archives that might excite the senses. Enjoy
Nordurland is a 2019 feature film about Torren Martyn, Laurie Towner and needessentials founder and designer Ryan Scanlon, going surfing in the harsh, cold waters of the North Atlantic. Follow these three friends from the subtropical northern rivers of NSW Australia, as they travel to isolated, snow covered coastlines in search of remote waves. Filmmaker Ishka Folkwell, beautifully captures vast and stunning landscapes on screen. An original soundtrack composed for the film by Headland brings the glaciers, mountains and powerful icy surf to life. Torren Martyn's narration throughout the film offers a personal reflection on the trip and a real glimpse into the challenges and rewards of traveling to frozen, distant lands in search of surf.
Lost Track New Zealand is an hour-long 2020 needessentials feature surf documentary where Torren Martyn and Ishka Folkwell travel on a journey of a lifetime through the remote wilderness of New Zealand in search of perfect waves and life long memories. Torren and Ishka battle the elements riding customised Royal Enfield motorcycles through storms, near death experiences and moments of bliss, all in a quest to escape into nature and discover perfect waves. Set to an outstanding original soundtrack composed by Headland and Nick Bampton.
On Top Of The World is a 2020 needessentials short film documenting Johanna Brebner and Aiyana Powell's journey to the far north of the planet in search of waves and arctic adventure. The two trek through deep snow filled fjords in sub-zero temperatures to surf extremely cold but beautifully fun waves. Filmed and edited by Ishka Folkwell with an original score by Headland, On Top Of The World is a celebration of surfing and an appreciation of the natural world in all its might and beauty.
Slow Laneis a 2022 needessentials feature length surf film that follows big wave surfer Laurie Towner and his family as they travel on a dream road trip exploring the vast Australian coastline in search of waves, good fishing and adventures. Edited by Ishka Folkwell, this film gives you an in-depth understanding of Laurie as a surfer and father explores the concept of passing on knowledge to the next generation through shared experiences and good times spent together as a family.
Cinematographer Nathan Henshaw's beautiful images capture the stunning landscape of the Australian continent and its wide variety of waves and wildlife as the family make their way from coast to coast. With an original soundtrack featuring Headland, Nick Bampton and Maanyung and additional music by Mick Turner and Musgrave Band this film is a portrait of a young family on a simple adventure.
