Free Jazz Vein

Free Jazz Vein is a unique film that combines the free spirit of Jazz music with the spontaneity and wild beauty of surfing. Directed by Tin Ojeda and released in 2017, the film stars Justin Adams, Beau Foster, Alex Knost and boasts an impressive blend of distinctive visual elements, flowing movements, and an exceptional musical score.

Free Jazz Vein is not your typical surf film. It moves away from the conventional themes of mainstream surf cinema, evolving beyond the presentation of merely perfect waves and the standard narrative structure. Instead, it dives into the raw beauty and free-spiritedness of surfing culture, capturing its essence in a new and refreshing perspective. It becomes a depiction of the soul of surfing and the essence of the surfer's connection with nature, the waves, and the adrenaline that fuels them.

The film begins with Justin Adams, Beau Foster, and Alex Knost, three accomplished surfers who carry with them a sense of grit, creativity, and passion for the art of surfing. Their performances aren’t only about competitive instincts or athletic prowess; instead, they grace the screens embodying the spirit of surf culture, the feeling of freedom, and the pure rush of riding the waves in the most authentic and unfiltered manner.

The cinematography of Free Jazz Vein navigates beyond the actual surfing experiences of the protagonists. Other scenes present a wide array of retro visuals, noir aesthetic, and vivid colours that seem to be in perfect sync with the film's overall appeal. The cuts are fast, intertwining footage of surfing with quirky snippets of everyday life and culture. Toying between reality and whimsicality, the film encourages viewers to immerse themselves fully into the remarkable world it creates.

But what truly stands out in Free Jazz Vein is its innovative musical score. The fusion of free jazz exudes a sense of liberation, it mirrors the unpredictable nature of the sea and somehow aligns with the spontaneous reaction of the surfers riding the unpredictable waves. The music adds an additional dimension to the film, building a rhythmic and thematic flow that guides the viewer through the narrative.

The movie doesn’t adhere to a linear storytelling pattern, creating a space where the viewer is not bound by the chains of chronology or rule-bounded narrative. It opts for a steady and smooth procession of scenes that portray a lifestyle and an artform. It’s less about a 'beginning-to-end story' and more about absorbing the experience, understanding the landscapes, and appreciating the diversity and artistry surf culture provides.

The director, Tin Ojeda, is best known for his profound understanding of retro amidst the modern. He brings to Free Jazz Vein a mix of super 16mm film and several other formats, which gives the film a unique old-school aesthetic. His avant-garde approach, when combined with daring editing patterns, makes it a visual treat. It's a welcome departure from mainstream aesthetics, showcasing experimental dynamism and a distinct personal touch.

Free Jazz Vein is an ode to the surfing lifestyle, capturing moments that are wild, whimsical, and wonderful. It takes the viewer on an immersive ride, not only providing heart-pounding scenes of wave-riding but also crafting an emotional landscape that reflects the nuances of surfer's life and the spirit of their pursuits. The movie could also be perceived as a metaphor for life - much like surfing, where the waves are unpredictable and spontaneous, life, too carries a similar unpredictability, demanding improvisation at every step.

In conclusion, Free Jazz Vein is an experimental, free-spirited film that rides the waves of alternative surf cinematography. It may defy the conventions of mainstream storytelling, but it successfully resonates with a wider audience who appreciates the stylish marriage of surfing, culture, music, and experimental film-making. For anyone seeking to explore the unorthodox side of the surfing world, or simply anyone seeking to familiarize oneself with alternative cinema, Free Jazz Vein is an enticing and stimulating choice.