Rumor Has It

By

Kimberly Deisler

Apparently, film festivals actually screen films! I’ve been so swamped with the various ins and outs, that actually getting time to see a film is a luxury I don’t often have. However, there was something about the title 180° South-Conquerors of the Useless that pulled me in and I liken this cinematic experience to having sex for the first time … you know, when its with someone you actually like. Absolutely breathtaking.

Directed by big wave rider Chris Malloy, shot by famed cinematographer Danny Moder, and assisted by a relentlessly dedicated crew, this film captures an intimacy that pulls you into a world so far beyond and delicate, you beckon for more; more surf, more lush land, and more desire to keep it that way. I’d met Chris a few times over many years both on the beach and at the film festival, his easy going nature and genuine relaxed manner are as natural as the world he chooses to live in and his film is just as honest and refreshing. Moder’s work is nothing short of brilliant with rich saturating colors that penetrate the mind’s eye leaving lasting impressions.

The film follows “dirt bag,” Jeff Johnson, as he retraces the steps of the founder of Patagonia, and one of the pioneering “dirt bags,” Yvon Chouinard and his life long friend Douglas Tompkins, also a founder of various clothing lines such as Esprit and North Face. Two men who lived off the land as much as possible, worked only to support their habits of surfing and climbing and reluctantly became business men out of necessity. These renowned environmentalists are iconic in their pursuit of conservancy and land restoration, a passion that stemmed from an amazing 5,000 mile life changing journey and now has them overseeing the 200 million acres they’ve managed to preserve in Patagonia.

The film grabs hold of every emotional point from humor to disappointment and everything in between. A buddy film of sorts, a love story, an adventure film, you’re riveted in every aspect of the journey and stunned by the beauty of every shot. I can’t recommend this film enough.

The Santa Barbara Film Festival and the Arlington Theater are proud to present tonight’s film 180° South tonight-Conquerors of the Useless at 8:00 pm. In attendance will be Director Chris Malloy, Cinematographer Danny Moder, Executive Producer Rick Ridgeway, Producer Tim Lynch, along with Jeff Johnson, Keith Malloy and Yvon Chouinard who are featured in the film and special guests Emile Hirsh and Julia Roberts.