We Are Skateboarders

We Are Skateboarders is a compelling 2012 documentary film, featuring renowned names in the world of skateboarding such as Kristos Andrews, Steve Caballero, and Rob Dyrdek. Director Ben Duffy brings these enthusiasts together to share their deep-seated passion for skateboarding culture, exploring not just the sport, but the identity it has fostered over the years.

As a sport, lifestyle, and sub-culture, skateboarding has often been associated with rebellion and anarchy. However, We Are Skateboarders delves deeper, elucidating the often-overlooked aspects of the scene: the kinship, creativity, struggle, and the mutual respect shared among the skateboarders. The film caters to a broad audience, from ardent fans of skateboarding to those unacquainted with this world. It stands as a testament to the sheer joy of skateboarding and its profound impact on those who live for the sport.

Kristos Andrews, who is not just an experienced skateboarder but also a world-record-holding extreme sports enthusiast, shares his journey alongside other skateboarding veterans. Steve Caballero, a pioneering figure in the skateboarding scene, narrates his experiences since the 1980s, giving us glimpses into the evolution of the sport and culture. Rob Dyrdek, an influential skateboarder and TV personality, talks about the industry side, acknowledging the corporate roles in building the sport while questioning many of their practices.

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through time and space, visiting seminal locales and skate parks, where one can almost feel the texture of concrete underneath the skate wheels and the adrenaline rush of a perfectly landed trick. In-depth interviews with these skateboarders form the crux of the film, coupled with candid scenes showcasing their jaw-dropping skills on a board. The film compiles never-seen-before footages and archival clips, intertwining them with personal anecdotes, creating a vivid narrative that transcends the physicality of the sport.

We Are Skateboarders does not shy away from bringing forth the trials and tribulations faced by skateboarders. It shows how the skateboarders resist societal norms, how these risk-takers face injuries and pain, and how they bristle at being lumped together as 'troublemakers.' Yet, amid all the struggles, their unyielding spirit, dedication, and love for skateboarding shine through.

The film also tackles the aspect of commercialization in skateboarding. As the sport becomes more mainstream, attracting high-profile sponsorships, the pure passion for skateboarding clashes with the allure of money and fame. This conflict forms a central theme in the narratives of the skateboarders and presents an intriguing premise for the viewers. The documentary encourages viewers to see skateboarding not just as a form of entertainment but as a medium that has shaped identities, steered youth culture, and impacted society in many ways.

The cinematography in We Are Skateboarders is immersive, with tight shots of skaters' intense focus, wide angles portraying the expansive skate parks, and slow-motion sequences capturing the flawless execution of tricks. In syncing the visual experience with an exciting soundtrack that reflects the high-energy skateboarding scene, this documentary appeals to the senses in an extraordinary way.

Apart from the emotional depth, the documentary has an element of humor, mostly embedded in the skateboarders' stories and their on-screen camaraderie, making it an enjoyable watch. The diversity in the narratives, going beyond mainstream skateboarding culture, gives the documentary the depth that differentiates it from many others in the genre.

Intensely personal yet strikingly universal, We Are Skateboarders is a celebration of skateboarding culture in all its forms. Far from being a mere sports documentary, the film strikes a chord with anyone who has ever fallen in love with a passion, faced challenges, and found a community of like-minded individuals.

The film, though an ode to skateboarding, transcends its own genre. It explores the broader societal implications and personal reverberations of this seemingly niche activity. We Are Skateboarders is a treat for both fans of the sport and those unfamiliar with it, as it takes you on a fascinating journey into a world ruled by passion, persistence, and the skateboards’ exhilarating roll.