Pommie Travels

The Drifter Wins Ombak Surf Film Festival

Steve and I were privileged to get to go to the wold premiere of Taylor Steele’s new surf film The Drifter. Part of the Ombak Bali International Surf Film Festival, the movie follows surfer Rob Machado trying to find himself as he travels around islands in the Indonesian Archipelago.

Enjoying Jim Beam and cokes and Bintangs through the night, guests gathered at Kartika Plaza to watch Steele’s latest surf movie with much anticipation. Taylor was there in person to present the movie and told the audience its release was actually delayed for a year so he could keep making adjustments and get it just right.

A story about a superstar surfer who leaves Bali by himself on a soul searching mission, the Drifter is more than just a surfing movie. Giggles errupted throughout the audience in several parts, particularly when Machado has an interesting exchange with a taxi driver on a ride through Kuta. Although the scenes felt a little staged at times, The Drifter showcases the beauty of Bali and the surrounding islands as well as some amazing waves and Machado’s surfing talent.

The Drifter was awarded the Best Surf Film Ombak Bali 2009 award out of the ten films which were in the competition.