“Facing Monsters” film starring Mid West big wave surfer Kerby Brown makes debut, to show in Geraldton

The thrill of chasing dangerous slab waves deep in the Southern Ocean is at the heart of a new film starring Mid West big wave surfer Kerby Brown.

Expected to be released in 2022, Facing Monsters drew a crowd at a special advance screening last Friday night at Orana Cinema in Albany as attendeees turned out to experience the thrill of the massive waves found in the Southern Ocean.

A screening will be shown at Orana Cinema in Geraldton on November 28, according to the production company.

An enigmatic big-wave surfer, 38-year-old Brown, originally from the Geraldton area but now based in the south, has a deep connection with the ocean.

Facing Monsters tells of his journey and quest to reach uncharted territory in the big-wave surfing world.

The film is about fear, addiction, and family bonds — an exploration of what drives Brown and why he’s so obsessed with pitting himself against one of nature’s most intimidating forces.

A Denmark local for six years, Brown said the film focused on two important things in his life — family and surfing.

“It’s surreal to have a film made about your life,” he said.

“It’s a bit different to your average surf film and has a few layers to it. The film shows how important family and friends are, the struggles I’ve gone through, and how much the ocean has helped me through those struggles.

“You don’t have to be a surfer to appreciate what is in this film.”

Brown said linking up with cinematographer Rick Rifici had brought Facing Monsters to the surface.

“I’ve been friends with Rick for a long time and he’s one of the best cinematographers in the world,” he said. “A passion of his is to shoot waves, especially these heavy slabs.”

Directed by Bentley Dean and produced by Chris Veerhuis, the film centres on Brown’s relationship with his brother Cortney and his many journeys into the deep blue with Denmark’s Chris Shanahan.

“It definitely showcases the beauty of WA and our surroundings and the power of the ocean down here,” he said.

Brown appeared at the Albany screening.