Given": A Child's Eyes Unveil Earth's Wonders Amid Climate Crisis
"Given" is a captivating documentary that takes viewers on a global journey through the eyes of a 6-year-old boy named Given. Directed by Jess Bianchi, the film follows legendary surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin as they travel with their young son through 15 different countries.
The documentary showcases the Goodwin family's quest for surf while exploring diverse cultures and fulfilling a multi-generational calling. It offers a unique perspective on travel, family, and the pursuit of passion, all seen through the innocent and wonder-filled gaze of a child.
"Given" is more than just a surfing film; it's a contemplative exploration of legacy and the human experience. The documentary's simple yet powerful narrative invites viewers to rediscover the world with childlike curiosity and appreciate the profound connections between family, nature, and cultural heritage.
Documentary Synopsis
"Given" is a captivating documentary that follows the globe-trotting adventures of the Goodwin family. The film explores themes of legacy, family bonds, and the power of exploration through a child's perspective.
Plot Overview
The documentary centers on Given Goodwin, the young son of professional surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin. The family embarks on a world tour, visiting 15 countries across five continents. Their journey begins in their home on Kauai, Hawaii, and takes them to remote corners of the globe.
Throughout their travels, the Goodwins immerse themselves in diverse cultures and environments. They surf in exotic locations, interact with local communities, and experience the wonders of nature. The narrative unfolds through Given's eyes, offering a unique and innocent perspective on their adventures.
Themes and Messages
"Given" delves into the concept of legacy, showcasing how Aamion passes down his love for surfing and exploration to his son. The film highlights the strength of family bonds as the Goodwins navigate challenges and share experiences together.
The documentary emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and different cultures. It encourages viewers to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new experiences. Through Given's observations, the film presents a message of wonder and curiosity about the world.
Environmental awareness is another key theme, as the family's journey showcases both the beauty and fragility of diverse ecosystems. The documentary subtly promotes the idea of responsible travel and respect for the natural world.
Production
The creation of "Given" involved an extensive global journey spanning multiple years. The film's unique approach blended documentary techniques with a narrative framework, resulting in a visually stunning exploration of family, travel, and surfing culture.
Development
"Given" emerged as a passion project for filmmaker Jess Bianchi. The idea took shape around 2012 when Bianchi connected with the Goodwin family, known for their nomadic lifestyle and surfing prowess. Bianchi saw an opportunity to capture their unconventional way of life through the eyes of their young son, Given.
The project's concept evolved to focus on the family's worldwide travels, emphasizing surfing and cultural experiences. Bianchi aimed to create a film that would resonate with audiences beyond the surfing community, highlighting universal themes of family, discovery, and connection to nature.
Filming Locations
Production for "Given" spanned numerous countries across several continents. The film crew followed the Goodwin family to remote surf spots and vibrant cultural centers. Key locations included:
Kauai, Hawaii (the family's home base)
Indonesia
Israel
Peru
Nepal
Iceland
Each location offered unique visual elements and cultural insights, contributing to the film's rich tapestry of experiences. The diverse settings allowed Bianchi to showcase stunning natural landscapes alongside intimate family moments.
Direction by Jess Bianchi
Jess Bianchi, making his directorial debut with "Given," brought a fresh perspective to the documentary genre. His background in commercial filmmaking influenced the film's polished visual style. Bianchi opted for a non-traditional narrative structure, using Given's voiceover to guide viewers through the family's adventures.
The director faced challenges in balancing the documentary aspects with a cohesive storytelling approach. Bianchi worked closely with the Goodwin family to capture authentic moments while maintaining a sense of narrative flow. His direction emphasized the beauty of natural landscapes and the intimacy of family interactions.
Bianchi's approach to the film's pacing and visual composition drew praise from critics and audiences alike. The director's choice to present the story through a child's perspective added a unique dimension to the travel documentary format.
The Goodwin Family
The Goodwin family embarked on a global adventure, surfing and exploring diverse cultures. Their journey became the subject of the documentary "Given," offering a unique perspective through their young son's eyes.
Aamion Goodwin's Profile
Aamion Goodwin is a professional surfer and the patriarch of the Goodwin family. He grew up on Kauai, Hawaii, where he developed his passion for surfing and connection to nature. Aamion's adventurous spirit and desire to share the world's wonders with his children led to the family's 14-month journey.
His surfing skills and deep respect for different cultures are evident throughout the documentary. Aamion serves as a guide and teacher for his children, particularly Given, introducing them to new experiences and ways of life across various countries.
Daize Goodwin's Profile
Daize Goodwin, a former professional surfer, is the matriarch of the family. She shares her husband's love for surfing and exploration. Daize's role in the documentary is crucial, as she balances motherhood with the challenges of constant travel.
Her nurturing presence provides stability for the children amidst their ever-changing surroundings. Daize's background in surfing and her adaptability to different environments contribute significantly to the family's ability to navigate their global adventure smoothly.
She often engages with local communities, fostering connections and cultural exchanges.
Given Goodwin's Role and Presence
Given Goodwin, the six-year-old son of Aamion and Daize, serves as the narrator and central figure of the documentary. His innocent and unfiltered perspective offers viewers a unique lens through which to experience the family's journey.
Given's presence in the film captures the wonder and curiosity of childhood as he encounters new cultures, landscapes, and ways of life. His interactions with local children and his growing understanding of surfing reflect the educational aspect of the family's travels.
The documentary showcases Given's development as he learns to surf and gains insights into different cultures. His role highlights the transformative power of travel and exposure to diverse experiences at a young age.
Reception
"Given" received mixed reactions from critics and audiences, with praise for its stunning visuals but criticism for its narrative structure. The documentary made waves in the surfing community and sparked discussions about family adventures.
Critical Acclaim
"Given" garnered attention for its breathtaking cinematography and unique perspective. Critics lauded the film's picturesque shots of global surf spots and diverse landscapes. The documentary's focus on experiencing the world through a child's eyes was praised for its fresh approach.
Some reviewers, however, felt the narrative lacked depth. They pointed out that the film could have delved deeper into the family's experiences and cultural interactions. The absence of a clear conflict or resolution in the storyline was noted as a missed opportunity for a more compelling coming-of-age tale.
Audience Reception
Viewers were divided in their response to "Given". Many were captivated by the Goodwin family's nomadic lifestyle and the stunning visuals of their global journey. The documentary resonated with those who appreciated its meditative pace and focus on natural beauty.
Others found the film's structure less engaging. Some audience members expressed a desire for more insight into the family's day-to-day challenges and cultural encounters. The documentary's contemplative style appealed to some viewers while others felt it lacked narrative drive.
Influence on Surfing Community
"Given" made a significant impact on the surfing community. It sparked conversations about balancing family life with a passion for surfing. The documentary inspired many surfers to consider incorporating their families into their surf-centric lifestyles.
The film highlighted the Goodwin family's legacy in surfing, showcasing how the sport can be passed down through generations. This aspect resonated with many surfers who saw parallels in their own families or aspirations for their children.
"Given" also renewed interest in surf travel, encouraging surfers to explore lesser-known destinations. The documentary's emphasis on cultural immersion alongside surfing prompted discussions about responsible and sustainable surf tourism.
Distribution and Availability
The documentary's distribution strategy leverages multiple channels to maximize reach and accessibility. Key platforms include theatrical releases, streaming services, and digital rentals.
Release Information
The documentary premiered at major film festivals in 2017, garnering critical acclaim and audience interest. Following its festival run, it received a limited theatrical release in select cities. This strategic approach helped build buzz and credibility before wider distribution.
The film's theatrical showings were accompanied by Q&A sessions with the director and subjects, enhancing audience engagement. After its theatrical window, the documentary became available for digital purchase and rental through various online retailers.
Streaming Platforms
The documentary is now widely accessible on popular streaming platforms. It can be viewed on Amazon Video as part of their Prime Video subscription service. Additionally, the film is available for streaming on Apple TV for a rental fee.
These streaming options have significantly expanded the documentary's reach, allowing viewers to access it conveniently from home. The film's presence on multiple platforms ensures it can connect with diverse audience segments across different viewing preferences.
Subtitles and closed captions are provided in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for international viewers and those with hearing impairments.
Cultural Impact
"Given documentary" profoundly influenced perceptions of family relationships and surfing culture. It sparked discussions about modern family dynamics and shed light on the unique lifestyle of surf communities.
Exploration of Family Dynamics
The documentary delved into the complexities of family relationships within surfing households. It showcased how the sport shapes family interactions and priorities. Parents often introduced their children to surfing at a young age, fostering a shared passion.
The film highlighted the challenges of balancing family life with the demands of professional surfing. It portrayed the sacrifices made by family members to support aspiring surfers.
Viewers gained insight into the unique bonds formed in surfing families. The documentary depicted how shared experiences in the water strengthened familial connections and created lasting memories.
Portrayal of the Surfing Lifestyle
The film captured the essence of surf culture, presenting it as more than just a sport. It showcased the laid-back attitude and deep connection to nature that many surfers embody.
Surfing was portrayed as a way of life, influencing fashion, music, and even language. The documentary illustrated how surf communities develop their own unique subcultures and social norms.
The film explored the spiritual aspects of surfing, depicting it as a meditative practice for many enthusiasts. It showed how surfers find peace and purpose through their connection with the ocean.
Environmental consciousness within the surfing community was a key theme. The documentary highlighted efforts by surfers to protect marine ecosystems and combat ocean pollution.
Conclusion
The given documentary concludes by tying together its key themes and messages. It offers closure to the narrative while leaving viewers with thought-provoking questions to ponder.
The filmmakers present final reflections from key participants, providing a sense of resolution. These closing remarks often reveal personal growth or new perspectives gained through the documentary process.
Ending scenes may revisit significant locations or characters introduced earlier, creating a sense of coming full circle. This reinforces the documentary's core ideas and emotional impact.
Many documentaries conclude with a call to action, inspiring viewers to get involved or make changes in their own lives. This approach aims to extend the film's influence beyond the viewing experience.
The given documentary's conclusion likely considers its potential legacy. It may highlight ongoing developments related to its subject matter or suggest areas for future exploration and activism.
Ultimately, a strong documentary ending leaves a lasting impression. It synthesizes the film's narrative and thematic elements, cementing its message in viewers' minds long after the credits roll.
