First Wave Crystal Voyager + Director Q&A with special guests

9 – 10 August 2024

In the Playhouse

Cinema

Australia | 1973 | English | Documentary

Over 50 years since it first premiered at Sydney Opera House, legendary surf film Crystal Voyager returns to our shores for the debut of a new 4K restoration.

These special screenings are followed by a Q&A with director David Elfick plus special guests.

The Citizen Kane of surfing pictures.

The Guardian

World premiere of a new 4K restoration

Long before John John and Torren Martyn set sail, George Greenough enchanted audiences with his nautically themed surf film, Crystal Voyager. Initially premiering at the Sydney Opera House in 1973, the movie was brilliantly crafted by David Elfick and Albe Falzon in the wake of their success with Morning of The Earth. Narrated by Greenough, Crystal Voyager provides a revealing insight into George’s practical and creative talents, along with his ability to look to nature for inspiration. Featuring Greenough and Nat Young enjoying magical waves in isolated settings, the film plays to the theme of surfing escapism, while documenting the practical challenges associated with rigging up a boat for an epic surf journey.

The final section of the film ‘Echoes’ features a famous Pink Floyd soundtrack. Showcasing Greenough’s pioneering POV footage, ‘Echoes’ becomes a kind of transcendental cinematic experience. To fully appreciate the beautifully restored mastery of Crystal Voyager, it must be witnessed on the big screen.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Tracks

George Greenough, Director

Watch the trailer

Cast and credits

Credits

Director
David Elfick
Albert Falzon
George Greenough

Producer
David Elfick

Featuring
George Greenough
Nat Young
Ritchie West

Camera
George Greenough
Albert Falzon

Digital Restoration
Ray Argall
Scott Welsh
David Elfick
Greg Fitzgerald
NFSA

Other information

You may also like

Clueless

1 Nov 2025

United States | 1995 | English | Comedy, Romance Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school’s pecking scale. Although she may be the envy of scheming Betties (female babes) and persistent Barneys (unattractive guys), she has an innate drive to help those less fortunate, especially when it comes to love. Despite her total confidence in knowing what’s best for others, Cher is totally clueless when it comes to her own heart.

  • Cinema

Somersault

1 Nov 2025

Australia | 2004 | English | Romance, Drama The 2004 debut feature from acclaimed Australian filmmaker Cate Shortland arrives with a brand new 4K restoration to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Winner of 13 AFI Awards, Somersault helped launch the careers of stars Abbie Cornish and Sam Worthington and endures as a beguiling and tender story of personal transformation and courage.

  • Cinema

NT Live: The Fifth Step

2 Nov 2025

United Kingdom | 2025 | English | Drama The Australian premiere screening of the critically acclaimed and subversively funny new play by David Ireland stars Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) alongside Emmy and BAFTA-winner Martin Freeman (The Hobbit, The Responder).

  • Cinema
  • Theatre

Checking availability