MAGIC ISLAND
MAGIC ISLAND + Q&A + SURF SHORTS
THURSDAY 22 OCTOBER 6PM
Magic Island explores the transformation of Uluwatu, Bali from a remote fishing village into one of the world’s most iconic tourist destinations. Through the voices of local residents, surfers, activists, and cultural figures, the film examines the growing tension between cultural preservation and rapid development in a place where Bali’s future hangs in the balance.
Sharing the screen is a collection of short surf films which explore identity, belonging, community and our sense of home. Across very different stories, they consider what it means to feel connected to a place, what happens when that connection is disrupted or contested, and the complicated relationship between belonging, change and ownership.
Doors open at 6:00pm, films start at 7
SESSION TIME
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STONE & WOOD BREWERY
Thursday 22 October 6pm - 9:30pm
58 MIN | 2026 | DIRECTOR: MAX BLUE DESANTIS | PRODUCER: LIBBY DESANTIS | INDONESIA | AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Magic Island explores the origins of Uluwatu, Bali. A remote fishing village on the island's southern shore, believed to be cursed by its original inhabitants, Uluwatu is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Told through the voices of twelve influential figures from across Bali, the film examines the sustainability of the island's rapid development and the growing tension between cultural preservation and modern expansion.
At its heart, Magic Island is a love letter to Uluwatu, a sacred place at the edge of the earth, where the future of Bali's culture, people, and spirit hangs in the balance.
Features Rio Waida, Made Lana, Rizal Tandjung, Mega Semahdi, Gerry Lopez, Jim Banks
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MONOZUKURI (JAPAN SHAPES)
16 MIN | 2025 | DIRECTOR: JORGE ABIÁN | PRODUCER: KATHARINA VUCANOVIC | SPAIN
In a world driven by mass production, what does it mean to devote an entire lifetime to mastering a single craft, as many Japanese artisans do?
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NIO KO BOKK (THIS BELONGS TO ALL OF US)
10 MIN | 2025 | DIRECTOR/ PRODUCER: DAVID CLANCY | FRANCE
Two young men find purpose and community in the ocean, instead of the perilous journeys many peers take in search of opportunity abroad.
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ECAT 2026 (EAST COAST ACTIVATION TOUR)
15 MIN | 2026 | DIRECTOR: JOSH HAMILTON | PRODUCER: ANDREW MCKINNON | AUSTRALIA | BYRON PREMIERE
A documentary about the historic East Coast road trip that connected community, surf conservation and cultures across continents.
