Kicking off opening night of Flotsam Festival, we’re celebrating 50 years of the film that inspired a generation, meticulously remastered.

Albert Falzon’s 1972 Classic, Morning of the Earth (G) is internationally renowned as one of the greatest surf films of all time. Its psychedelic imagery and audio-visual tour de force captured the spirit of a generation and became an instant benchmark of avant-garde cinema. A fantasy of surfers living in three unspoiled lands and playing in natures oceans, Morning of the Earth tells the story of a group of friends exploring the measures of all things beautiful: searching for virgin waves in Bali, Hawaii and Australia, shaping their own surfboards, building their own homes and living off the land in harmony with nature. With G.Wayne Thomas’ billboard topping soundtrack (the first Australian soundtrack to go gold) and surfing featuring some of the world’s best, Morning of the Earth is a must-watch and prerequisite for any surfer and cinephile alike.

Now meticulously restored and beautifully remastered in 4K, we celebrate the film’s 50th Year Anniversary with you. This museum-grade restoration off the original 16mm AB rolls presents a pristine copy which, Albert says, “looks and sounds better than it ever has.”

Experience the film under the stars atop Kirra Hill, overlooking the break that was immortalized with Michael Peterson’s opening rides in the film.

In the rolling green lawns of the restored, 100 year old school (which coincidently MP attended), bring your beanbags and picnic blankets to enjoy the film on a giant outdoor screen with the ambient sound of waves nearby. The evening will feature a re-union with Rusty Miller, one of the original stars of the film, and Terry Hannigan, who played on the original soundtrack, and guests. In addition to the remastered version of MOTE, the anniversary screenings will also feature the short film 50 Years Around the Sun, which showcases never-been-seen-outtakes from the MOTE “Lost Reels”.

Morning of the earth Runtime: 80 minutes
Plus: MOTE: 50 Years Around the Sun.

Get there as gates open to enjoy sunset from one of the best vantage spots on the coast and live music by Benny D Williams. The grounds will also feature the Flotsam Focal Point installations, a group photo exhibition, and pop up projections to create a ‘once in 50 years’ experience.

Proudly supported by Tracks

Classification Details:

Morning of the Earth, classification: (G)

Lost Reels, material is unclassified.

As this event contains film content that is unclassified, age restrictions apply.
Viewing is restricted for patrons under 15 years unless accompanied by an adult.