A scene from “Sliding Liberia,” directed by Britton Cailloutte. Review by Matthew Ralston.

“Sliding Liberia”
7:30 p.m. April 29

“Sliding Liberia” was screened before a full house last night (4/29). Though “a surf film at heart” according to first-time filmmaker and Newport Beach native Britton Caillouette, the film also has a social awareness, focusing on the civil war in Liberia, the rebels and those affected by it.

We learn about the recent history of Liberia through archived footage and dialogues by different Liberians. Nicholai Lidow, a friend of Caillouette, had visited the war torn nation for his Ph.D studies. He found good waves and became friends with a Liberian surfer — if not Liberia’s only one — who called it sliding waves. And thus, the film project was sparked.

The surfing is good, featuring a team of four short and longboarders. Although other surf films may have bigger and better waves, the point break featured throughout the film is surprising for a location most know little about. Dan Malloy, who has been in many surf films and has traveled widely, noted that “Sliding Liberia” was different than other surf films and trips. While “Liberia was the poorest country I ever visited,” Malloy said, the crew was well removed from the surf industry, making for a more relaxed and natural environment. He passed up invitations to surf Bali, which offers some of the best waves in the world.

But getting the best waves isn’t the point of the film. In a Q&A following the film, director Caillouette noted that he the film was “a hybrid film, a new genre.” He went on to say that surf films can paint a very beautiful picture of a location, but rarely look at the “other side” of the location. He said, “Libera is a place where you can’t ignore the other side. You have to share the stories of the individuals you meet.”

The final credits roled to a loud applause and whistles from the crowd. Cailouette and the crew hope the film brings attention to the rebuilding of Liberia, and have had many come forward to help.

For more information about the film, including a trailor, a list of screening times and a list of awards won, visit www.slidingliberia.com.

-Matthew Ralston/The Register

To learn more about the Newport Beach Film Festival, click here.

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