A man sits cross legged on grass. He is holding a guitar and wearing a blue t-shirt.

Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC Sydney Film Festival

  • Cinema
  • Playhouse
  • Run time: 76 minutes Subject to change
  • Seating map

From O’ahu grommet to world-renowned musician

USA | 2026 | English | Documentary | All Ages

Follow the sea-sprayed evolution of Jack Johnson from O’ahu grommet, to filmmaker, to the world famous musician behind hits like Upside Down and Banana Pancakes.

An intimate look into Jack Johnson’s evolution from surfer to filmmaker to world-renowned musician. The documentary traces how his early years making surf films with close friends became a foundation for a much broader creative life, capturing moments in and out of the water that later surfaced in his songwriting. Blending rare footage from those formative surf films and Johnson's personal and family archives with present-day reflections, the film weaves together how lived experience, friendship, and exploration shaped the sound and stories behind the music.

Presented by Sydney Opera House and Sydney Film Festival

Ticket pricing

Cast and credits

Director Emmett Malloy
Producer Daniel Pappas
Producer Wyatt Daily
Producer & Editor Tim Wheeler
Editor Nico Toll
Cinematographer Harley Astorga

You may also like

Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Playhouse

The Playhouse is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

Checking availability