BBFF2025: Beyond the Break (with Q&A)
26 Oct NSW

BBFF2025: Beyond the Break (with Q&A)

The inspirational story of Lennox Head local Joel Taylor.

Joel Taylor’s surfing career ended with a paralysing wave. 20 years later, he’s back in the water – as a World Champion.

On December 7, 2001, Lennox Head local Joel Taylor paddled out at Pipeline, the legendary surf break in Hawaii. At just 21, he was a rising star in bodyboarding, with state titles, magazine features, and appearances in the iconic Tension videos — a series that pushed the sport into the mainstream and fuelled its rapid rise in popularity.

Joel’s career was on the verge of a breakthrough when a single wave changed everything. It wasn’t the biggest wave he’d ever caught, but it drained more water than usual, driving him feet-first into the coral-covered limestone reef. As Joel tried to kick to the surface, he realised his legs no longer worked. In that moment, he knew he was paralysed. The years that followed were marked by a painful struggle to accept the loss of what he loved most. Three years of gruelling rehab only solidified what his doctors had never directly said: he would never walk again.

For 20 years, Joel stayed out of the water, grappling with the loss of his identity as a surfer. The birth of his son would eventually reignite his passion — he wanted him to grow up with the same connection to the ocean he had himself cherished. But returning to the waves was a daunting challenge. Joel hadn’t surfed in two decades, and his body no longer moved the way it once had. Yet, through sheer determination and the discovery of adaptive surfing, he reconnected with the ocean and found a supportive community of athletes — each with their own story of overcoming adversity to get back in the water.

In 2023, Joel achieved his ultimate dream, becoming a para surfing World Champion. Beyond the Break is a documentary about resilience, identity, and redefining limits. It challenges societal perceptions of disability and celebrates the courage and determination of those who turn adversity into triumph.

Directed by Caleb Graham. Duration: 75 minutes, followed by filmmaker Q&A.

Screens with short films.

Date:
SUN 26 OCT @ 6:30PM

Our kiosk is always open for food and drink one hour before showtime. For the bar menu and what’s on offer, please check out our Dine & Drink page.

Unclassified (12+ guidance)
— Duration: Approximately 1h 30m
— Doors 20 minutes before showtime

TICKET PRICES

GENERAL: $25 (plus booking fee)
General admission unallocated seating

HOUSEMATE TICKET PRICES
HOUSEMATE DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT! — Please note that in order to purchase Housemate tickets, you must have a valid paid Housemate membership and will need to provide your Housemate membership number upon checkout. For information on Housemates, click here!

GENERAL: HOUSEMATE PRICE $20 (plus booking fee)
General admission unallocated seating

IMPORTANT VENUE INFORMATION FOR TICKETHOLDERS:
Please note the Brunswick Picture House is located in Brunswick Heads NSW, in the Northern Rivers region (NOT in Brunswick VIC). Please select your tickets carefully as no refund or credit will be granted for errors in identifying the venue location.

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