WATCH NOW: The Greatest Threat In Our Human History Discussed By Surf Legends

FILM // NEVER TOWN, PRESENTED BY PATAGONIA

There are films that are produced every now and then that really mean something. They have messages that have the power to shift thinking and action across a generation. Patagonia is known for making such films (another must-watch, Fish People). In 2017 some of the most influential Australian surfers and visionaries took to the dusty roads of South Australia, the rich and dynamic coastline of Victoria and the lush, deep contrasts of Tasmania with the prolific surf writer Sean Doherty to uncover stories, stir emotion and evoke change.

“The dislocation to the natural world is enormous.” Says Wayne Lynch in conversation with Dave Rastovich in the opening scene. “I can’t see that we can turn it around that quickly. We can just hope that the people are aware can do what has to be done in time. I think that we’re facing the greatest threat in our human history.”

This is not a story of protests and environmentalism, it’s a collection of stories from the wisdom, life and times of the surfers who seek to fiercely protect some of the most vastly crucial and often overlooked stretches of coast and ocean in Australia.

Patagonia continues to pour their every strength into critical messaging in an effort to continue the momentum they’re building for change amongst all people, to ensure the survival of our planet, our environment and our people. Beautifully made and a great watch.

Never Town features incredible water woman Belinda Baggs who talked to us earlier in the year about the devastation of the Great Barrier Reef on our podcast. 

Watch & enjoy the full film and check out what you can do to take action.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS

Part surf film, part conservation film, Never Town takes a journey along some wild coastlines and talks with the people fighting to keep them wild. Filmed along the Southern Ocean coasts of Australia, it’s an exploration of what these places mean to surfers… and what surfers are willing to do to save them. As surfing elder Wayne Lynch says, “We mythologised these places. We lose them and we lose ourselves.”

Never Town spans Australia’s vibrant southern fringe from the dusty edge of South Australia to the deep forests of Victoria and Tasmania. It features the surfing of Dave Rastovich, Dan Ross, Belinda Baggs and Heath Joske, set alongside conversations with coastal activists who are standing up against deepwater oil drilling and industrial fish farms. Midnight Oil, Yirrnga Yunupingu, Ziggy Alberts and Bad Dreems provide a distinctly Australian soundtrack.

With coastlines around the world under pressure like never before from growing populations, rampant development and exploitation from resource companies, Never Town is a rallying call for surfers and local communities to stand together to protect the wild spaces around them.

Creative Director – Dave Rastovich
Director/Editor- Andrew Buckley
Cinematography – Andrew Buckley & Jon Frank
A Patagonia Film, produced by Sean Doherty
Length: 35 minute

Belinda Baggs photo by Jarrah Lynch