World surfing icons pull in to WA this weekend to celebrate Australian surfing legend
WA will be graced with a visit from a world surfing royalty next weekend when celebrated photographer Jack McCoy arrives with one of the best to ever chuck on a wetty, Mark Occhilupo, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their trailblazing 1999 film, The Occumentary.
It’s first time the film has ever been shown on the big screen, with McCoy completely remastering it for a fresh new look, and the duo will be on hand at a couple of screenings in the west following an almost-sellout run 10-show run on the east coast.
“It was one of the best experiences of my life, it was so special to be able to share the stoke with so many people,” says McCoy of the east coast shows. “Some came to see the film for the 100th time, but many were brought along by their parents or grandparents to celebrate the Occ and witness what an old school surf movie night is all about.”
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The film was the first ever feature documentary of a surfer and instantly achieved cult status in the same year Occhilupo won the 1999 World Surfing Championship.
The screenings, at Margaret River Arts on Wednesday 28 August, Luna Cinemas Leederville on Friday 30 (tickets here) and Gage Roads Freo on Saturday 31 (tickets here), will feature Q&A’s and chats with McCoy, Occhilupo and guests sharing untold stories and never-before-seen footage from throughout Occhilupo’s career, and a rare insight into the duo’s lives together.
“No one puts on a show like Jack does,” says Occhilupo. “His story telling and knowledge of surfing history is one of a kind. I’m honoured that people still want to come watch me surf after 25 years and cant wait to hit the road again.”
The film has a special relationship with WA too, as it follows Occhilupo’s incredible comeback after his ‘hiatus’ from competitive surfing, after Billabong founder Gordon Merchant sent him our way to live and train with McCoy and his family.
To purchase tickets, hit those links above or head to jackmccoy.com/occy-tour for more info.