Curtis Birch, 1547 10th Street, Santa Monica, CA (2026)

08/20/2022

The making of a memorable film requires a world class main character.

As famous as the wave is at Cape St Francis, it continues to be shrouded in mystery. It will only break on a rare southeast swell and even those in the know are still lacking the full truth around its discovery in 1959.

The award-winning doc : Discovery of Cape St Francis —which has its Australian premiere this weekend —reveals the untold story.

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Mike Hynson (who surfed the day in 1963 when it would become known as “the perfect wave” with Robert August) told me that whenever he went back to Cape St Francis—to relive the glory of that historic surf session for the filming of The Endless Summer—that it was totally flat and completely unrideable. He believed that this particular day, on this particular piece of South African coastline, was a gift from god. Millions of fans of Bruce Brown’s iconic film would agree.
“Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis” seeks to capture the timeless and transcendent spirit of surfing. The doc follows surf pioneer, Dick Metz’s around-the-world, vagabond journey that paved the way for Bruce’s “discovery” of Cape St Francis, South Africa—home of the most iconic surf scene in history.

Photo ___________________________
Produced in association with Special thanks

08/06/2022

Catch the Australian Premiere of on October 22

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Photo of Dick Metz courtesy of Metz Collection

Surfing photo courtesy of
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07/23/2022

Loved the chance to get South Africa’s take on Dick Metz’s incredible story thanks to ‘s screenings our award-winning doc Birth of the Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St Francis this month in Jeffery’s Bay.
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Wavescape SA said this about :
“How adventure magazines led to a global hitch hike that led to the classic film Endless Summer by . It’s the untold back story of the most watched feature documentary movie in history at with ”
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Many thanks to for the support since early days and especially —without their backing the film wouldn’t have been possible.
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07/23/2022

Super cool to get the South African POV on Dick Metz’s incredible story thanks to ‘s screenings our award-winning doc Birth of the Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St Francis this month in Jeffery’s Bay.
・・・
Wavescape SA said this about :
“How adventure magazines led to a global hitch hike that led to the classic film Endless Summer by . It’s the untold back story of the most watched feature documentary movie in history at with ”
*****************************

07/15/2022

Expecting another sold out show at our South African sneak preview screenings of tonight 7pm

Thanks to all of our friends and adopted family in South Africa for their support. So stoked on the initial reception.
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We can't wait to host this screening in J-Bay tonight on untold story of The Endless Summer, and how a vagabond from Laguna Beach who was hitch-hiking through Africa found his way to Cape Town. Dick Metz not only bumped into the only guy in Cape Town making surfboards, but his meeting with John Whitmore led to the birth of surfing in South Africa, and spawned the most watched feature documentary of all time.

The screenings take place at the Green Room in J-Bay on Friday 15 July 6.30 for 7pm with a Legends panel discussion afterwards. Another screening takes place on Friday 15 July, same time, same place. Tickets R50 at Quicket.co.za

07/06/2022

One of the unsung heroes in this story is John Whitmore (middle), known as The Oom (or “Uncle”) of South African Surfing.

Much love to the Whitmore Family for their support of this documentary and hospitality while we were filming in South Africa. It’s a friendship that started when Dick Metz landed on a Cape Town beach and met John Whitmore after Metz had hitchhiked the length of Africa. Beyond putting in motion the events that would establish the modern sport of surfing, this meeting would create bonds that would last for generations. Relationships so strong that they continue to show us the way.

Catch our multi-award-winning feature doc Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis when it has its Florida Premiere on 6/17 We are in early stages of organizing a South Africa screening tour and premiere this July. Stay posted

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“John Whitmore and part time factory hands Margie Smith and Donald Paarman, outside Whitmore Surfboards Pty Ltd in about 1964. Three of South Africa's finest surfing legends and pioneers to whom we Saffa surfers of today all owe a massive debt of gratitude - most surfers today don't even know who they were or realise just how hardcore these surfers were. No wetsuits, big boards and no fear. Just pure love of riding waves and mother ocean. Respect is due. Photo Whitmore Family Collection. “
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06/16/2022

💪🏽⚡️ Tomorrow at the ! Filmmaker Richard Yelland's will premiere to kick off the weekend at the Florida Surf Film Festival.

Vissla is stoked to support the premiere screening of Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis. Releasing worldwide in Fall of 2022, this feature documentary follows Californian surf pioneer, Dick Metz, as he vagabonds the globe from 1958-1961. Metz's train-jumping, steamship-hopping tour in the vein of ‘On the Road’ led to his discovery of "the perfect wave" at Cape St. Francis, South Africa. Dick's travels not only inspired his friend Bruce Brown, and the making of The Endless Summer, but also paved the way for modern surfing and surf culture. Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis follows the 90-year old Metz back to South Africa to retrace the steps of his original journey.

Photos:
1) Robert August by
2) Buzzy Trent by Bud Browne
3) Dick Metz
4) Joyce Hoffman by Bud Browne
5)

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06/14/2022

Remember Cape St Francis—that perfect wave in The Endless Summer? Find out how Dick Metz made this discovery ‘s FLORIDA premiere on 6/17/22 The award-winning feature doc uncovers the events that would inspire Bruce Brown’s epic surf doc and the birth of modern surfing. Not to mention, many more adventures from Dick’s journeys around the world.

Catch BIRTH OF THE ENDLESS SUMMER: DISCOVERY OF CAPE ST FRANCIS at The Florida Surf Film Festival this Friday in New Smyrna Beach at The Atlantic Arts Center (details in bio )

Here’s what Florida Surf Film Fest has to say about , “With historical never been seen footage director Richard Yelland weaves a marvelous tale of early surf adventure that is truly captivating. Dick and Richard will be in attendance to present the film and meet the fans. June 17th and 18th ticket link in the bio. Presented by

But might have said it best: “ is the untold story behind The Endless Summer. A wonderful documentary, 4 years in the making—full of surf adventures and come see how Dick Metz discovered the wave leading to Bruce Browns epic surf doc and many more adventures from Dick’s journeys around the world.

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06/07/2022

Happy birthday and special thanks to Robert August for interviewing with us for (and to his son for making it happen). Robert gave us an entertaining account of the infamous day at Cape St Francis, South Africa when, after hours of surfing, director Bruce Brown (far right) made Mike Hynson (sunglasses) and him (left) climb the massive sand dune overlooking the perfect surf. Robert recalled with a laugh saying to Bruce, “I know how to work the camera. You go climb the sand dune!“ Of course, Robert and Mike would summit the dune to “discover” the perfect wave of Cape St Francis. The rest would become history as ‘ The Endless Summer would become one of the most watched and beloved documentary films of all time.

The hallmark of an amazing project is getting the chance to work with friends who double as heroes. Something to that began with support of our project - their partnership and trust that could tell the story behind Bruce Brown’s iconic film.

might have said it best: “ is the untold story behind The Endless Summer. A wonderful documentary, 4 years in the making—full of surf adventures and brilliant stories by some of surfing’s early pioneers”

Catch our FLORIDA premiere on Friday 6/17 in New Smyrna Beach at The Atlantic Arts Center (details in bio )

Photos

05/29/2022

Thanks for the spread —and coverage of our sold out screenings &

Don’t miss our Florida Premiere when we kick off the on Friday night, June 17th.

“Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis" plays on 3/19 at 2pm at The Community Arts Workshop space in downtown Santa Barbara! 🌞⁠
Follow the link in bio to see our schedule and get your tickets!! 🤙🏽
⁠
The documentary is the never-been-told-before story behind one of the most beloved and watched documentaries of all time, Bruce Brown's "The Endless Summer," which follows Californian surf pioneer, Dick Metz, as he vagabonds the globe from 1958-1961 which led to Metz's discovery of "the perfect wave" at Cape St. Francis, South Africa. "Birth of The Endless Summer" follows the 90-year old Metz back to South Africa to retrace the steps of his original journey.⁠
"Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis" - a Curtis Birch Production and Richard Yelland film - is produced in association with Bruce Brown films and offers never-seen-before photos and footage from Bruce Brown's personal archives as well as the world's top collection of historic surfing imagery at the Surfing Heritage & Culture Center.⁠”
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🎥: ⁠
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03/27/2022

A true honor to have world surf champ stop by to take pictures and sign posters after our screening of last Saturday. Super fun times with this living legend and great ambassador of South African surfing — was smiling down from above. We look forward to seeing our East Coast friends at our screening, June 6.
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Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St. Francis tells the never-been-told-before story behind one of the most beloved and watched documentaries of all time, Bruce Brown's The Endless Summer — a travel adventure that captured the hearts and imaginations of surfers and non-surfers alike.

“I made this movie in a way to connect, to give the history of surfing a broader audience. It’s a piece of history for pop culture, not just about surfing.” - Richard Yelland, Birth Of Endless Summer director said to NBC Los Angeles.

A Curtis Birch Production in associated with Oscar® nominated Bruce Brown Films. A film by Emmy® nominated director and award-winning filmmaker Richard Yelland.

HONORS:
"Birth of The Endless Summer: Discovery of Cape St.Francis" ( ) Best Action Sports Film/Audience Award ; Best Feature Film honors from Cucalorus Film Festival's Surfalorus Showcase ( ); Best Stoke Award

Poster design:

Produced in association with
Thanks to partners: .trees

Photo: Courtesy of Shon Tomson

03/23/2022

Thanks for the post fest love :

“🌊🎥💕Thank you for bringing so many salty legends & the surf community together this weekend!
A phenomenal event honoring the heritage, culture, films, music & art of surfing.”

“The film is fascinating as well! The immensely adventurous & clever ways of Dick Metz (left) and his role in the growth and preservation of surf heritage . Adored having Dick in the audience! Such joy watching the 92 year old’s eyes light up while viewing the stories of his hilarious global escapades & entrepreneurial pursuits.”
••••••
: Discovery Of Cape St. Francis is an 87 minute, award-winning documentary that captures the magic of Dick Metz’s vagabond, around-the-world adventures from 1958-1961, which reveal the untold story behind ‘ The Endless Summer.

When we decided in 2019 to take our production to South Africa and retrace Dick Metz's legendary steps to Cape Town in 1959, it’s little surprise that the spry, 92-year Metz was 100% all-in for the journey.

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