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Water Brother

Play trailer 2:29 Poster for Water Brother Released Jul 12, 2024 1h 30m Documentary Biography Sports Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 2 Reviews 98% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
WATER BROTHER is a feature documentary that follows the life of Sid Abbruzzi, an East Coast legend and culture icon. The film explores Sid's lifelong passion for surfing, skating, and his commitment to protecting the sport's history and culture. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, personal interviews, and large format cinematic footage, including interviews with culture giants such as Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela and more; this documentary takes the audience on a journey through the history of surfing and skating -- from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, and beyond. As Sid approaches the age of 72, the film captures the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop, set to be demolished. It delves into the impact of the shop's closure on the local community and the broader surf and skate world. The documentary emphasizes the importance of memory, personal history, and living in the moment, reminding us to cherish our past and preserve cultural heritage. WATER BROTHER is a poignant reflection on a life well-lived and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture. It celebrates the individuals and places that transcend surfing and skating from mere hobbies, showing how one man's dedication can inspire an entire community.

Critics Reviews

View All (2) Critics Reviews
Avi Offer NYC Movie Guru Heartfelt, well-edited and illuminating. Jul 26, 2024 Full Review Loren King Newport This Week (RI) Rhode Island natives Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane direct in a loose, rollicking style that suits the one-of-a-kind Abbruzzi and his Water Bros. legend. Jul 11, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (23) audience reviews
Shannon Really fantastic look into the man himself and all the amazing work he's done so far for this community. Felt the love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/14/24 Full Review James F Standing ovations for both premiers I attended. Great capture of the grit, passion, and heart it takes to be a surfer in New England/east coast. Laughed and cried, amazing to see how many people Sid has affected over the years through his selflessness. WB/401 for life! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/25 Full Review Scarlet A A swirling, salty ode to a rebel king of waves and dreams—Water Brother rolls in like a high tide at dawn, brimming with heart, soul, and the grit of a life lived full throttle. It’s gritty, it’s warm, it’s a punch to the heart and a tear in the eye, a love letter to a sport, a community, and the legends that rise like spray off the surf. Abruzzi’s story grabs you by the collar, whispers saltwater hymns, and leaves you breathless in the glow of a life like no other. A must-watch for wanderers and wave riders alike. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/25 Full Review Bart G Sid’s story *is* the story. This movie is a must-watch. I’m talking a cinematic achievement that not only captures a life but elevates it to something extraordinary. The visuals are absolutely stunning—every frame feels like it’s been meticulously crafted to convey not just the physical beauty of Rhode Island and the East Coast surf scene, but the essence of its culture, its soul. Sid is more than just a figure in the surfing world. He’s an icon—a true champion of community, a person who’s redefined what it means to connect with others through a shared passion. This film doesn’t just tell his story; it brings it to life in a way that feels almost impossible to pull off. The filmmakers do the unthinkable: they get close to the glory Sid deserves while still keeping it grounded in the grit, heart, and raw energy that makes him such a compelling figure. This isn’t just about waves and boards—this is about legacy, connection, and a lifetime of riding the highs and lows of life and the ocean. It’s a film that’ll resonate with anyone who’s ever tried to carve out their own path or, frankly, just felt the pull of something bigger than themselves. I can’t recommend it enough. Trust me, you won’t regret it. -BG Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/25 Full Review Marian R Really enjoyed this. Amazed the super-8 film survived Sid”s teenage and middle years. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/21/24 Full Review Leslie S Well written, shot and directed. I don’t skate or surf and I’ve already seen it twice. Sid is, clearly, an amazing human creating quite a legacy for himself and his community. Bravo! This film deserves some major recognition! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/13/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Water Brother

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis WATER BROTHER is a feature documentary that follows the life of Sid Abbruzzi, an East Coast legend and culture icon. The film explores Sid's lifelong passion for surfing, skating, and his commitment to protecting the sport's history and culture. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, personal interviews, and large format cinematic footage, including interviews with culture giants such as Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela and more; this documentary takes the audience on a journey through the history of surfing and skating -- from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa's Jeffrey's Bay, and beyond. As Sid approaches the age of 72, the film captures the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop, set to be demolished. It delves into the impact of the shop's closure on the local community and the broader surf and skate world. The documentary emphasizes the importance of memory, personal history, and living in the moment, reminding us to cherish our past and preserve cultural heritage. WATER BROTHER is a poignant reflection on a life well-lived and a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of surf culture. It celebrates the individuals and places that transcend surfing and skating from mere hobbies, showing how one man's dedication can inspire an entire community.
Director
Charles Francis Kinnane, Daniel Kinnane
Producer
Colin R Moniz, William Kinnane, Jeffrey Azize
Distributor
The Kinnane Brothers
Production Co
Kinnane Brothers
Genre
Documentary, Biography, Sports
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 12, 2024, Limited
Runtime
1h 30m