O'Neill Big Wave Surfer Mark Mathews hits Europe in FIGHTING FEAR European Movie Tour – Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Place, London – 28.11.11
It is, of course, a story of big wave riding – the feats of which still manage to astound no matter how many times they are witnessed.
Moreover, however, Fighting Fear, the new movie from O'Neill big wave charger Mark Mathews, documents an extraordinary story of friendship between Mark and fellow surfer and Ultimate Fighting star Ritchie Vas as they chase their dreams and combat the demons of their past.
The two friends from Maroubra, in Sydney Australia, are fearless, living life on the edge, daring each other to surf bigger waves, party harder, and take greater risks. But when their adrenalin-seeking antics & partying turns sour, it sets in motion a dramatic and life-changing series of events that threatens to derail everything they have worked so hard for.
The feature length documentary Fighting Fear gives a personal insight into these two world-class athletes in sports with deadly consequences and how their friendship has helped bring them through it.
“We have been filming this over three years,” says Mark Mathews. “Itʼs been an incredible experience. Sometimes scary, sometimes crazy, but overall just amazing to be able to look back at everything myself and Richie have been through… and come through.”
This winter, the movie will be making its tour through Europe along with its stars, Mark Mathews, Richie Vaculik and film director, editor, filmer, Macario De Souz – coming to London on 28th November 2011.
Here's a little bit more about the stars of FIGHTING FEAR:
Mark Mathews
When the swell forecast predicts waves over 40 feet, that's when Australian Pro- Big Wave surfer Mark Matthews starts getting excited. The 29 year old from Sydney's Maroubra has become one of the World's Best Big Wave surfers over the last five years. Mark and Richie's friendship dates back to early days in the water when Mark was scared of big waves and often had to get his mother to come and paddle him in.
Although his entire family surf, he is the only one to focus on making it his career - indeed Mark's dad is a surgeon, his mum runs a yoga retreat in New York and his sister teachers in China.
In 2007, Mark caught the wave of the day at the 2007 Monster Energy Pro at Pipeline, Hawaii, earning him global recognition, since then, Mark has been unstoppable in his quest for bigger waves, winning Big Wave Awards in 2009, 2010 and at the Oakley 2011 Big Wave Awards.
When waves are flat or between injuries Mark plays piano, the guitar, or picks up a new instrument to pass the time until he can surf again. He makes a conscious effort to keep his energy positive, especially in the weeks before a big swell and is known to meditate & read spiritual self-help books to help him mentally prepare for conquering impossibly high waves.
Richie "Vas" Vaculik
Richie "Vas" Vaculik, so nicknamed because his surname was considered too tricky to pronounce, was born and bred in Maroubra, Sydney, where he still lives today. A keen surfer for over 22 years, Richie met Mark as a kid in the waves and their friendship has remained constant throughout their lives. After leaving school, Richie became a carpet layer, whilst continuing to chase big waves across Australia & the world across the Phillipines, Tahiti & Fiji with Mark. Originally, Richie started training in martial arts as a way to focus his energies & keep fit in between surfing Big Waves but his obvious talent prompted trainers to suggest he train full time & compete in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Richie is now dedicated to MMA first & foremost & Big Wave surfing is his second passion. After just five years in MMA, Richie's career highlight to date apart from his impressive 6-1 record has been a 12 second Knockout in the CFC 9.
When he is not preparing for a fight or surfing big barrels at his favourite break, Richie can be found spear-fishing for dinner at his Mum's or spending time at local organic markets with his long-term girlfriend, Lucia, a pilates instructor.
Richie now hopes to take his MMA career onto the international stage after already making a name for himself on the Australian circuit & of course chase a few more Big Waves in the process.
Scroll down to watch the trailer. Tickets are £5 and available here ticketweb.co.uk
