Joan_Ann_Allan 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!

josearevalo-287-439975 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!

jacob-toups 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.

djafuego1 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.