Red Rock Film Festival to open with ‘Sound of the Surf’ in Cedar City

Image shows screenshot captured from "Sound of the Surf," the first film to play at the 2022 Red Rock Film Festival | Image courtesy Red Rock Partnerships, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — The Red Rock Film Festival opens Oct. 10 with the Mountain West Premiere of the surfer music documentary “Sound of the Surf.”

“Sound of the Surf” will premiere at the 2022 Red Rock Film Festival | Image courtesy Red Rock Partnerships, St. George News

Directed by the late Thomas Duncan, “Sound of the Surf” is the first historic documentary to chronicle the true story of surf music as California’s indigenous pop movement before it became distorted by Hollywood, according to a press release issued by Red Rock Partnerships.

The film showcases Dick Dale, “The King of the Surf Guitar,” Kathy Marshall, “Queen of The Surf Guitar,” Paul Arthur Johnson of the Bel-Airs, Eddie Bertrand of Eddie & the Showmen, David Lee Marks of The Beach Boys in their early years, and Robert Berryhill of The Surfaris. The film also features interviews with Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers, Jello Biafra of The Dead Kennedys and others.

“Sound of the Surf” plays on a double bill with Dara Sanandaji’s “Breaking the Silence,” a documentary that is an intense journey deep into the mind.

The Red Rock Film Festival is combining with the Utah Film Market to host more than 65 films from around the world with France in the lead and includes several other trending themes trending such as husband and wife filmmakers, Black filmmakers, Utah filmmakers, as well as films that fall within the categories of running, outdoor adventures, sports, animation, war, thrillers, dramas, comedies and documentaries. Also featured will be animal films sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society.

Image shows screenshot captured from film to be featured during the Red Rock Film Festival | Image courtesy Red Rock Partnerships, St. George News

There are different films, seminars and activities every day where attendees can see the filmmakers at red carpet premieres before the films are released and have Q & As with them after the films.

In addition to international films, several local and Utah filmmakers will have screenings as well. Dan Fowlks will present the black and white version of his Christmas time war film “Shred of Decency,” and Caleb Sean Hatton will present “La Plata Del Real,” the story of a U.S. soldier who searches for bandit Pancho Villa in Mexico.

Other films include Tony J. Rivas’s “Scraps,” a bizarre comedy where a young woman learns the meaning of family; Weber Keith Griffiths’ “The Man in the Tree,” a fantasy about a boy who encounters a magical creature in the woods; and Katia Moritz’s “Undiagnosed,” a film that shines a light on a widespread but little-known issue devastating families across the world: undiagnosed illnesses.

“Sound of the Surf” and “Breaking the Silence” admission will have their gala premiere at 7 p.m. for just $10 at the Cedar Fun Center on Monday, followed by more than 65 other films all day, all week long.

Opening reception for the festival is at 1 p.m. on Monday, and the festival will continue through Oct. 15, running 1-11 p.m. daily.

Films will play at the Cedar Fun Center, located at 170 E. Fiddlers Canyon Rd. in Cedar City, and seminars at the Hampton Inn Cedar City, located at 1145 S. Bentley Blvd.

Tickets are on sale now at the Cedar Fun Center and extra benefits are available by buying passes online at this website such as the 15-Ticket Package or Sampler Package. The You Snooze You Lose Ticket Package is almost sold out.

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