Elli Thor is an Icelandic photographer, surfer, and former kayaker. A decade ago Elli nearly drowned under a waterfall while kayaking a challenging Icelandic river. The near death experience became a catalyst for personal growth and his professional career. After walking away from kayaking, a newfound passion for surfing and the birth of his daughter Unnur gave him a new perspective worth living for.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer & Chris Burkard
This film follows the story of Mylo Fowler, who photographs the beauty of the Navajo Nation on a quest to share the story of its past and protect its future. Mylo grew up on the reservation, raised by its red dirt and wild horses. But a spiritual elder’s prophecy upends his entire vision of the future, and Mylo enters the unknown to discover his rightful place in the world.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer
Sony Artisan Chris Burkard loves dramatic landscapes and telling the stories of athletes within those settings. When he recently traveled to Mallorca to document solo climbing and the climbers doing it over the deep waters that Mallorca is famous for, he knew he wanted to capture it from a wide-angle view.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer
What we have here isn’t your typical bike trip. Four close friends ventured into the great woods of the American west to experience the land via bike. Their original plans were thwarted due to the devastation of wildfires that seemly strike the west more and more each year. With some last-minute rearranging of the route and a nod that it was safe, the ride was on! They took off to experience a ride and hike that some might call, downright insanity.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer
Eithan Osborne, Josh Moniz, Becca Speak and Luana Silva set their sights north and head to the land of bitter cold waters, relentless winter storms and endless natural wonder - journeying through a place where local wisdom often tells the truest story.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer & Chris Burkard
A short film shot by Billabong ambassador and outdoor photographer/filmmaker Chris Burkard (directed by Elli Thor), around our Snow crew’s adventure to Iwanai, ‘the hidden beauty’ of Hokkaido on the North Island of Japan. Wolle Nyvelt, Garrett Warnick and Bode Merrill drop everything and book a ticket to Japan in search of good times, adventure and unridden backcountry.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer & Chris Burkard
Griffin Colapinto, Tyler Warren, Becca Speak and Eithan Osborne point their compasses north and head to an isolated stretch of icy points, reefs, and bays where heavy weather calls the shots and your survival instinct remains fully charged. Jump aboard The Viking and relive the Crew’s adventure, as told through their voices and directed by Billabong Ambassador and outdoor photographer/filmmaker Chris Burkard.
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer & Chris Burkard
“If you have built your life & career around traveling with a camera, as many professionals have, then you know the constant struggle & pain of leaving behind the ones you love in order to experience something new. Even if just for a few days. 'North to the Future' is a short from my recent trip assignment to Alaska that gives an honest & intimate look at my texts, calls and emails home to my wife and two sons. I hope some can relate to this stripped down look at how I attempt to translate the beauty of what I see to my kids at home.” - Chris Burkard
Produced by: Mikey Sandifer