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Sid Abruzzi outside his Rhode Island skate and surf shop in “Water Brothers: The Sid Abbruzzi Story,” a documentary by the Kinnane brothers that opens at the Regal theater in East Hampton on September 10, followed by a Q&A with Abruzzi. COURTESY THE FILMMAKERS
A new documentary, “Water Brothers: The Sid Abbruzzi Story,” opens at the Regal theater in East Hampton on Tuesday, September 10, followed by a Q&A with Abruzzi.
The film is by the Kinnane Brothers, eight siblings based in Little Compton, Rhode Island, who do it all as a family — from writing, directing and shooting to editing and producing. “Water Brothers: The Sid Abbruzzi Story” is an inspiring film that captures the culture of surf and skate and the immeasurable impact that one man has had on it. The story follows the life of Newport, Rhode Island-based surf and skate legend and cultural icon Sid Abbruzzi, and his commitment to protecting the sports’ history and culture.
Through a mix of never-before-seen archival film, large-format cinematic footage, and personal interviews from culture giants like Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela and more, viewers are taken on a journey through surfing and skating history — from 1960s Newport to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay and beyond.
As Abbruzzi approaches age 72, the film captures the final days of his famous Water Brothers Surf & Skate shop as it is set to be demolished and the impact it had on the surf and skate community. The documentary emphasizes the importance of memory, personal history and living in the moment — a reminder to cherish the past and preserve cultural heritage.
Staff Writer on Sep 4, 2024