UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL
When a global pandemic decimates the tourism industry across the Hawaiian Islands it means no travel, no tourists, and no surf lessons. Surf instructor Bull Kotter (or ''Bully'' as he's lovingly called) suddenly finds his small business pushed to the brink. So he turns to his community-Lahaina-not for help or a handout, but to give back. From surf culture, to ocean respect, to kindness, Uncle Bully is translating etiquette in the line-up into etiquette in life. This is a film about the power of one person to shape a more hopeful future for the next generation.
The description above encapsulates this man and his community, coming back from the brink of economic collapse after a global pandemic, to pivot into something deeper and nurturing. Then, the Maui wildfires in August happened. With a community decimated, UNCLE BULLY’S SURF SKOOL is now a visual document of a former Lahaina, now a memory. After a few days, the filmmaking team regrouped and immediately hit the ground to add a coda to this film, documenting a Lahaina in the aftermath and the recovery and resilience that has only begun on the very long road to rebuilding a town, a community, and its people.
Sponsored By:
NEIGHBOR ISLAND SCHEDULE:
| 10/30/2023 7:30pm | Lanai Theater at Hale Keaka |
| 10/28/2023 5:30pm | Maui Arts & Culture Center |
| 11/5/2023 7:30pm | Palace Theater |
| 10/29/2023 7:00pm | Waimea Theater |