BBFF2025 Meet the Filmmaker: Caleb Graham
Beyond The Break
Caleb Graham is a Sydney-based filmmaker and cinematographer whose career spans surf films, documentaries and award-winning shorts. With roots in Yamba and strong ties to Byron Bay, Caleb’s work has screened internationally and on platforms such as SBS, Apple TV and DocPlay. His latest film, Beyond the Break, tells the remarkable story of para-surfing champion Joel Taylor - a story of resilience, identity and rediscovering a life in the ocean.
How did Beyond the Break come about, and what inspired you to make it?
This documentary follows Joel Taylor, a paraplegic para-surfing champion, on his journey to his first world title in Huntington Beach. Having previously collaborated with Joel, I was invited to join him, staying with his close-knit family - including his partner, Lorin, their two children, as well as Joels parents - during this pivotal moment. This access provided a unique, intimate perspective on the highs and lows of Joel’s life and career, capturing raw emotions and an amazing story that extends far beyond a single competition.
Key figures, like Joel’s lifelong friend Winston McCall (Singer of well known Australian metal band Parkway Drive) and coach Michael O’Rafferty, offer insight into his resilience, transforming what was once intended as a short film into a broader feature length narrative of triumph, struggle, and community.
I've known Joel for over 10 years, having done some filming for his clothing label 'Unite'. He has since supported other projects I've been a part of with mutual friends, and always someone whose story I admired. I always try to make short documentaries when a story catches my attention - and when I heard about Joel getting back into the water as a parasurfer after 20 years of staying away from the ocean, I was super interested and pitches the concept to him. He was keen as well - and before we knew it one thing led to another and I was meeting up with him and his family in California - where he was competing for his first world title. What unfolded - formed the backbone of our film - and it started to become apparent that this was much more than a Short Documentary.
What message do you hope audiences will take away from the film?
I've grown up around the ocean, and surf communities. But even for me - seeing surfers with missing limbs, blind, and every form of disability that you would think should keep them away from the ocean - was a huge source of inspiration for this film.
Before the subject of my film - Joel Taylor - broke his back, he had the Resilience and the power of the human spirit are big ones. If someone who lives with a disability watches this film - then I hope it motivated them and encourages them to push outside of their comfort zone and see what is possible. For everyone else - I hope the film champions the incredible athletes that are showcased in the film, educates them on the world of parasurfing, and gives them takeways of wisdom that they can apply in their own life.
Have you always wanted to be a filmmaker, and what path brought you here?
In a lot of ways I have - but its still been a journey to land on the roles and types of films that suit me the best. I started out filming my friends Bodyboarding, Surfing, and pulling pranks - in Yamba NSW. This led me down a path of surf films, but eventually into Documentary which has become a real specialty and focus in my career. I had a lot of opportunities early in my career that shaped me as a filmmaker - Eediting a feature length documentary for Parkway Drive back in 2012, and then proceeding to work as an Editor for ABC shortform documentary series 'Heywire'.
Learning how to edit Documentaries, taught me about the ingredients and structures required to make films that pull people in. This really informed my camera work, which is what I've gone to focus on - working as a Freelance Cinematographer. But although I opted to pursuit the role that required less hours in a dark room - I still love editing, and now my rule is I will only edit projects that I've shot - and in most cases, also directed - leaning into a role I refer to simply as a 'Filmmaker'.
How would you describe your filmmaking style?
Honesty, intrigue, and lack of ego are big guiding principles for me. Even though cinematography is a big focus in my work Im a firm believer that story is king, and every element of the film should be working together to draw people into the story and the world that I've tried to create.
Did you face any challenges making the film?
Like many documentaries that unfold in real time - this wasn't a production that was planned for, pitched, budgeted - or anything that would of assisted in the resources you might require for creating a Feature Documentary. The grants I applied for -but wasn’t successful, the brands I pitched to - loved the concept but just couldn't commit. Inspired by my roots - the world of Bodyboarding and Hardcore music - I leant into the DIY work ethic and just made it happen. It wasn't easy, but as things went on it gained momentum - and I’m never one to not finish something I've started. With the help of a community of talented friends - we got there. In a lot of ways - how everything ultimately unfolded couldn't be more fitting to the storyline of the film.
What’s your connection to Byron Bay and BBFF?
I have a lot of connections! I studied at SAE Byron Bay, have spent periods of time living there, and my hometown is Yamba just down the coast. I know a bunch of really creative people living in the Byron Shire, and I think its an area very conducive to creative projects and freedom of expression.
I've now had the pleasure of having a feature documentary (Green is the new Black) and a short doco (Blue and Gold) both screen at the festival - so its fast becoming a personal favourite, and has been very supportive of my recent work.
What advice would you give aspiring filmmakers?
I really think not waiting for opportunities and going out and making something happen yourself is the best way to start. 'The most personal is the most creative' (Bong Joon Ho) is a phrase I love - and I think that kind of ethos definately helps. The world doesnt need more copies - and you don't need to make something based on what you think other people will like. Make the film you'd love to make. And I can speak from experience - just get the ball rolling, and the film will take a life of its own.
What are you most looking forward to at BBFF?
The talent of my film, Joel Taylor, is a long term local resident - a lot of people know his story, but I’m sure a lot also don't - so I’m excited for people to see it. Also I always love to meet other filmmakers, share stories - and celebrate this amazing thing that a lot of us a lucky enough to do for a career.