Film
En Route
About
Director
Josh Trinder
Producer
Josh Trinder
Running time
17 minutes
Country / Nationality
United Kingdom
Our Judges say:
A really heartwarming film about a single dad and his sons on their annual trip surfing in Devon. It gave me goosebumps, left me a little bit teary and very hopeful.Hannah Maia
Children never expect their parents to separate, and there is no one to teach them how to navigate and adjust to spending time with a single parent. This film documents the Anderson’s family ShAFF-inspired, adventurous family tradition: a surf trip to Devon. In the age of permanent screen addiction and distraction, John attempts to connect and win his sons’ attention on this weekend adventure. 12 years ago, the Anderson family first attended ShAFF and have since been loyal yearly participants, actively living out the heart of this film festival through entering into many brave and wild endeavours, from running and swimming to climbing and surfing. These boys are remarkable and have developed a contagious passion for outdoor play. ‘En Route’ shows Thomas (16), Benji (13) and Finn (10) travelling on their surf trip without their mum for the first time, and the pressure and newness are evident in this blend of observational and poetic documentary. As they all search for who they are in the midst of this family separation, surfing in the sea is evidence of John’s relentless love and effort to connect through moments of sadness and adjustment. Adventure is on their doorstep. Safety and peace are experienced in nature and time lost in the sea. The fight for connection becomes effortless in the waves.
Sustainability Notes:
Primarily, this film is subtly acknowledging that it takes time and effort to connect with the outdoors. Continued exposure for youth and the opportunity to experience sunsets, ocean-wide cliff views and the sea as a playground can cause awareness and appreciation, organically leading to care for the environment and eventually active stewardship. Amongst our efforts to be minimal and sustainable, the Anderson family picked me up in their car and we travelled to Devon - a U.K surfing destination, along with supporting local businesses and buying local produce to cook our meals. All waste was properly recycled and compost compiled and zero waste was left in any location. The film was mostly shot on one camera and using natural daylight where possible and no hired or additional lighting was used in any circumstance. This film is fully produced and directed by one person - minimising its carbon footprint.
