Northern Ohio is known for the Great Lakes, Cavaliers and … surfing?
It might sound like a joke, but throughout much of the year, you can find a small group of die-hard surfers in Lake Erie, enjoying nature and hanging 10.
A project that began in 2001, “Out Of Place” is a film that documents a community of surfers in Cleveland.
The film is making its Columbus premiere at the Gateway Film Center at 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Directors Scott Ditzenberger and Darrin McDonald will be holding a question and answer session after the showing, preceding a post-screening party.
Ditzenberger and McDonald debuted the film in 2009 to portray the spirit and culture that surrounds surfing in Cleveland.
“The film embodies the spirit, preservation and the pursuit of life outside the mainstream,” according to the “Out Of Place” website.
The easygoing lifestyle of “Out Of Place” is something Kurt Vincent, editor and producer of the film, thinks everyone can take away from the seeing the film.
“It’s so cliché, but really it’s about making the most of it and not being afraid to diverge from the normal routine,” Vincent said.
Ditzenberger and McDonald could not be reached for comment.
Homage, a vintage apparel store, and Surf Ohio are co-hosting the premiere.
Homage will be introducing their new Surf Ohio line of apparel and accessories; everything from beach towels and tote bags to eco-friendly packaged DVDs of the film.
The founder of Surf Ohio, Ron Kaplan, will be present to unveil the 2011 Olentangy Masters Surfing Classic T-shirt line.
Ryan Vesler, owner of Homage, said the film is more about living in the moment and kicking back with friends.
“It’s more of a lifestyle,” Vesler said. “It’s about being outside and enjoying nature and having an easygoing spirit.”
The film received the Viewer’s Choice Best Feature award at the New York Surf Film Festival. It has also been chosen as an Official Selection at various film festivals including the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival and Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
As a partner of the event, tickets to the Wexner Center’s “Off the Grid” party will also be available. The fundraising event benefits the Wexner’s education program and is on April 30, said Jerry Dannemiller, director of marketing and communication for the Wexner Center.
The essence of “Out Of Place” is something that Vesler believes will speak to college students as well.
“It isn’t just for surfers,” Vesler said. “Ohio is naturally beautiful and we have a lot of really cool nature-related things.”
Tickets for the screening are $5 for students and can be purchased at the Gateway Film Center box office.
