White Wash

White Wash is an enlightening and absorbing documentary film directed by Ted Woods. Released in 2011, it stars renowned personalities including award-winning singer-songwriter Ben Harper, rapper Tariq Trotter from the Roots, and Audwin Andersen. The movie explores the intriguing history, politics, and culture of African Americans in the world of surfing, often perceived as a typically white domain.

Produced by Dan Bell, Airrion Copeland, and Ted Woods, White Wash delves into the complex relationship between race and American culture, showcasing the lives and experiences of black surfers. It delves into the tribal African water sports that might have influenced surfing, the history of human civil rights, shared cultural values, and the evolving narrative of race relations in America through our love for the ocean and surfing.

The standout feature of this film is the overarching narrative guided by Ben Harper, known for his love of surfing alongside his music fame. Harper's soothing voice and insightful comments guide viewers through the story, providing familiarity and ease. Tariq Trotter, otherwise known as Black Thought, the frontman of the band The Roots, also lends his incredible music and voice to the film – an audio journey that admirably complements the surfing and beautifully shot beach scenes.

The other prominent character in the documentary is Audwin Andersen, a middle-aged former lifeguard and surfer from the ghettos of Brooklyn, who projects surfing as a metaphor for liberation, escape, and self-expression. His riveting story offers a unique perspective on the intersection of surfing and African American history, providing an enlightening glimpse into the racial and social dynamics within the surfing community.

White Wash is executed poetically, combining stunning visuals of beach landscapes, surf footage, historical scenes, photographs, and personal interviews. The director, Ted Woods, seamlessly weaves these elements together to create a rich tapestry of information and storytelling. His careful blending of history and personal narratives perfectly props up the primary theme of the film, creating a well-researched and in-depth exploration of this fascinating subject.

Notably, the film takes audiences on a time-traveling journey – tracing the roots of surfing from the early African water sports to the modern-day beaches of California and Hawaii. It uncovers the largely untold narrative of black surfers, who, despite being an integral part of the surfing history and culture, have remained sidetracked due to their race. The film's accounts of African American surfers shattered the proverbial glass ceiling in the realm of surfing by challenging the racial and cultural norms, making a significant impact.

By intertwining the concept of surfing with the political and social aspects of African Americans, White Wash tells a profound story that traverses beyond just sports. The film serves as a necessary conversation starter about the stereotyping and unjust racial classification prevalent in various aspects of life, not just surfing.

At its core, White Wash goes past waves and surfboards to reflect the broader socio-cultural dynamics in the United States. Through its poignant narrative and compelling visuals, the film invites viewers to reconsider preconceived notions about race and culture.

Overall, White Wash is more than just a sports documentary – it pierces the surface of a physical activity and dives into dense themes around race and culture. It beautifully captures the resilience and adaptability of African American surfers, demonstrating boys and girls, men and women, riding the waves and defying the societal norm. It's a testament to how a sport can unite cultures and ultimately change the social fabric.

Audiences are likely to appreciate the enlightening journey that White Wash presents. It's a film that educates, entertains, provokes thought, and initiates conversation about topics that bear relevance even today. Featuring riveting narratives, artfully captured visuals, and a brilliant mix of history and surfing, White Wash does justice to its tagline - "The story of surfing's black history." This poignant exploration of a niche, yet a crucial aspect of African American history and culture, is undoubtedly worth a watch.