Jack Johnson announces SURFILMUSIC, a new documentary chronicling his evolution from surfer to filmmaker to world-renowned musician. The film made its World Premiere at SXSW ahead of a special concert at Stubb’s in Austin, Texas, where Johnson and his band performed with Hermanos Gutiérrez.
SURFILMUSIC traces how Johnson’s early years making surf films with close friends became a foundation for a much broader creative life, capturing moments in and out of the water that later surfaced in his songwriting. Blending rare footage from those formative surf films and Johnson’s personal and family archives with present-day reflections, the film weaves together how lived experience, friendship, and exploration shaped the sound and stories behind the music. Directed by Emmett Malloy, featuring Jack Johnson, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Gerry Lopez, Chris Malloy, G Love, Ben Harper, John Florence, Emmett Malloy, Kim Johnson, and more, with a beautiful score by Jack Johnson and Hermanos Gutiérrez. In loving memory of Tamayo Perry.
In addition to the new film, Johnson has announced a companion double album, SURFILMUSIC Soundtrack and 4-Tracks, arriving May 15 via Brushfire Records. The soundtrack features the film’s original score by Jack Johnson and Hermanos Gutiérrez alongside remastered selections from Johnson’s early four-track recordings. 4-Tracks presents a deeper dive into the archival music from Johnson’s personal tapes, including raw recordings and previously unreleased gems from his earliest days making music.
The first track from the soundtrack is a new rendition of ‘Drink the Water w/ Hermanos Gutiērrez,’ and is available now on all digital streaming platforms along with an accompanying music video. Listen HERE
Johnson will also bring SURFILMUSIC home with two special screenings in Hawai‘i on May 14 and May 15 at Blaisdell Concert Hall. The events will celebrate the film’s deep connection where Johnson grew up surfing, filmmaking, and writing many of the songs that shaped his career. Tickets for the Hawaiʻi premiere screenings will go on sale the week of March 16, with registrations now open for a Hawaiʻi resident only presale.
Previously unavailable to stream or purchase, and now meticulously remastered in 4K from the original 16mm film prints, Thicker Than Water and The September Sessions both filmed by Jack Johnson in his early 20’s, are available for rent or purchase on all video on demand platforms.
SURFILMUSIC will begin a theatrical run in early June 2026 and additional details surrounding screenings, and events will be announced soon.
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