Around the time I moved to Japan in late 2019, I was introduced to surfer Hiroto Ohhara.

He was born and based in Chiba, near Tsurigasaki Beach, where the upcoming Japan Open and Olympics were set to take place. Hiroto was made for the moment, and we collaborated on a personal project that explored this idea — that one cannot own a place, but they can own the memories of the hours spent there, waiting for their moment to arrive.

We thought it told a powerful story… but 2020 showed us how fickle storytelling can be.

In the midst of COVID, the Olympics were postponed for the first time, ever. And we were all left wondering: what do we do with ourselves while the world is off its axis? How do we continue on our journey? I admire Hiroto, who pondered these same questions, but also kept his purpose in focus. I reworked the film’s script around this new insight.

Hiroto is a surfer. It is not a profession, it is an identity. And in an uncertain moment, he remained committed to his craft. Because he was not on his journey into the unknown alone. He was fortified by his family, his community and every kid after him, who will grow up knowing that they can surf their way into the Olympics. Because they saw him do it.

Premiered by Nowness Asia, launched by Hurley.

Writer/Director: Dan Buyanovsky

DP: Mikul Eriksson

Production: PUSH

EPs: Mike Sunda, Kristian Kvam Hansen and Kristin Skar Forseth

Underwater Camera: Akira Jet

Camera Assistant: Mikael Senninge

Editor: Amerigo Brini

Translators: Lika Kumoi and Mitchell Lee

Music: Koda

Colorist: Mikul Eriksson

PA: Sam King