User Reviews

As a surfer and a fan of surf films, this is one of the best documentaries on surfing I have ever seen. The stories behind the lives of these villagers are so well told, and the areas in which the director chose to focus gave an added understanding of the experiences within the village of Vanimo. This film is a rare little gem in which you may walk out of the theater speechless, thinking about the fate of the people in the film, feeling thankful to have a glimpse into such an exotic corner of the globe, and best of all, hopeful about the future of those you are rooting for in the film. The captivating experience is feeling the universal joy that unites surfers around the world, from all walks of life. Adam Pesce captures it beautifully.

My wife and I enjoyed "Splinters" at O Cinema in Miami, FL. The documentary is fascinating because it is rich in layers of story telling. The protagonists' passion for Surfing and their social relationships are covered very well. I was able to learn about surfing and the people Papua New Guinea (their culture and social changes). The movie has an emotional impact of the viewer because it is ultimately about people wanting to reach a dream and be great. This is an feeling that is universal. The movie captivated me the entire time and even gave me the desire to know even more about the future of each character. Is is great to see how similar people are even when separated by thousands of miles. Don't miss this perfect combination of history and entertainment.

With the democratization of filmmaking, almost anyone with access to filmmaking technology can generate a film. So when I learned Director Adam Pesce moved to Papua New Guinea, learned pigeon English and started shooting, I knew this was not just another surfer's stab at self-aggrandizing You Tube stardom. Plus, the film's website is a platform for all sorts of awards and acknowledgments from the film festival circuit, so I have some back up on this stance.

This documentary is extremely well done. Both aesthetically and narratively.

And subjectively, I say that by taking in to account the distinct dynamic native to Papua New Guinea, the dialogue & story which unfolds on the screen and the circumstances I learned later via researching the film about the bouts of malaria endured by the Director, etc. Briefly, the film showcases the universal struggles one engages in when practical needs conflict with dreams and ideals of a better life. Surfing is the conduit of hope and also the bittersweet weapon of control and revenge. Watch the film to figure out how and why.

The film beautifully captures village life and tells a great story about people who live a simple life but have truly life changing dreams that could be made possible by surfing. I love the adventurous nature of surfers that means it reaches a place like Vanimo, which is a remote part of a remote country.

As a Papua New Guinean woman I went to this film hopeful but admittedly with a bit of trepidation. So often the country is portrayed in such a negative light but I loved this film. I'm so pleased the film makers didn't patronise or use tired stereotypes just to make a film about surfing. The issues treated by the film...opportunities (or lack thereof), family and clan politics, the role of women, domestic abuse, alcohol abuse, being 'big headed', and so many others can be extrapolated to the whole country. I'm glad the film shows the discussion  about these themes between Papua New Guineans, the dated and modern views, and not westerners trying to educate the natives. It also shows the power surfing could have to help change attitudes. It's a really well paced film that follows characters you want to know more about and root for, in a beautiful place that you rarely get to see. 

In a nutshell, highly recommend seeing this film!

Surfing as a modern day pastime is complex. There are all kinds of Surfers; professionals, weekend warriors, local legends, beginners, and veterans. Many companies sell the surf image via clothing and accessories, for some that is the closest they will ever get to riding a wave or understanding the sport.

I am lucky, I get to surf and I am grateful. That being said, how is it for other surfers around the world...what does it mean to them? We all dream of that perfect place where we can be one with nature, but what if you lived in that place...what would it be like? Would the rules that we live by still apply? Splinter's offers the movie goer an up close and personal glimpse into island life and all that it has to offer. There is beauty, there is grit and sometimes violence. The director does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of each character, this includes triumph, hope and at times defeat.

For me, Surfing in this film transports you into the characters lives and it transports them beyond their village into the outside world, our world. Regardless if you are a man or woman, It's up to each character to ride their wave however and wherever they want. How far they go is up to them.

Adam did a fantastic job with this film. Traveling and studying the Middle East for 5 years, I've seen first hand what the power of sports can do to inspire individuals to become who they are. Now I work with non profits all over Los Angeles using sports to engage lower income youth. Surfing is one of them and his film shows that both in Paupa New Guinea and Los Angeles surfing is a powerful form of inspiration and hope. This film itself is fantastic as your transported into the life of a Paupan. Embedded in the film are elements of the culture that both reflect past and present, including surfing, ways of life. Go see this film if you want both a new perspective on surfing and culture.

This film was not at all what I was expecting. It's a surf movie, yes, in the sense that it's about surfing. But its the intimate look into the lives of the surfers themselves that propels the story and turns it into something exceptional. Well, that, and the music. The score is very well done. It sounds kind of Sigur Ros-ish and really creates a cool tone for the film.

I just happened to go to a screening the other night without knowing much about the film and it blew me away. The story twists and turns in ways I doubt the film makers even predicted when they started shooting it. I Highly recommend this to anyone who likes documentaries, surfing, or just great story-telling.

after a great day at work, what a great way to relax by attending a screening of a new Documentary/film during the Film Festival. I really enjoyed watching "Splinters". at the 2012 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, which has become one of the best International Film Festivals in the world, bringing together great and new directors. I find the documentary fascinating, the culture, the people, the beauty of Papua New Guinea, a unique group of athletes in search of their dream half way around the world. The commitment and dedication of the director Adam Pesce which I had the pleasure of meeting and talk to made for a great and unique experience. This is a great documentary/film that no one should miss It is simply Fantastic!