Where I think it lacked was in content. During Campbell’s initial introduction to Sprout, he said (now I’m paraphrasing), the film was about breaking down walls that exist between longboarders and shortboarders, celebrating our abilities as humans to enjoy the ocean, and accessing the water in every way possible. This includes all kinds of boards: logs, eggs, mats, fishes, shorties, single-fin guns, bodyboards and bodysurfing.” While the film did touch on this aspect, I don’t think it was the most compelling aspect driving the film.

Overall, the impression I walked away with had little to do with what Campbell told the audience it was about. Instead the film felt more like a beautifully composed album of film clips and great music with only a slightly funny deadpan monologue. I guess that’s where this argument gets complicated. Surfers will argue it isn’t an art film, artists will argue it’s an art film about surfing.

As an art film (this can’t be overlooked since Thomas Campbell is one of the most recognized artists today), I feel it paddles for the wave, but isn’t strong enough to stand up. But as a surf flick, it is succeeds and surpasses my expectations-one for the DVD library (if I had one).

Highlights for me were when one of Sprout’s stars gives his own hilarious take on different “chaka” (a word used as a greeting or to show praise) variations which you just have to see to understand, as well as the body surfing and the sheer beauty of it’s imagery. Go see this film!

Sprout was made possible by Converse and the Moonshine Conspiracy.
For more information about the film, visit the official site.

Thomas Campbell “Sprout” Premiere
Date: September 17th and 18th, 2004
Place: Victoria Theatre
Address: 2961 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Tel: +1 415 86 7576
https://www.trimyourlifeaway.com