Andy Irons: Kissed by God

Showings

Mary D. Fisher Theatre Wed, Aug 29, 2018 7:00 PM
Film Info
Event Type:Documentary Feature
Release Year:2017
Run Time:90 minutes
Production Country:United States
Original Language:English
Trailer:https://youtu.be/GJWIPRvtAHk

Description

“Any Irons: Kissed by God” is a film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. Andy struggled with the same demons that millions of people worldwide battle with daily and was an incredible presence on the world stage as the “People’s Champion.”

Andy was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.

The intent of the film is to show the unfiltered life of Andy Irons — one that was filled with energy, passion, success and challenges. Challenges that pushed Andy to the brink and were both the best parts of Andy and the hardest to handle. The filmmakers, Steve and Todd Jones, wanted to create a film that captured the true essence of Andy Irons — his family, his friends, and those who later realized a friendship that at times was hard to understand.

The film features in-depth interviews with Andy’s brother Bruce Irons, his wife Lyndie Irons, Joel Parkinson, Nathan Fletcher, Sunny Garcia, and Kelly Slater. Andy’s friends, family, and competitors share their stories of intimacy and fire with Andy Irons throughout the film. The unabashedly honest testimonials compel the story and reveal the very real side of Andy. This is not a film about surfing; this is a film about a person that lived life to its fullest at the top of his industry, but did so facing insurmountable internal challenges. This story is about everything that made Andy Irons the man he was. 

Andy was a legend, a once in a generation talent who dominated his sport and influenced the future of his sport. He grew up and learned to surf North Shore in Kauai, Hawaii. During his professional career, he won three world titles (2002, 2003, 2004), three Quiksilver Pro France titles (2003, 2004, 2005), two Rip Curl Pro Search titles (2006 and 2007) and 20 elite tour victories including the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing four times from 2002-2006. He was the only surfer to have won a title at every venue on the ASP calendar.
 
The film screening will be followed by a community discussion, hosted by the Mental Health Coalition of the Verde Valley.