“They Call Me Wazza” – a New Zealand short film

A great nine minutes with that charming and most talented Kiwi gentleman Warren Hawke.

Regular PLB readers will have seen many of Wazza’s photos in the magazine over the tears – making us (and many other magazines) look good.

This vid was made with taste and heart by the next gen Kiwi talent Jonathan “Jono” Smit.

As well as being accepted for the DocEdge Film Festival “They Call Me Wazza” won First Place and People’s Choice awards at this year’s Surf Aotearoa Film Festival.

"They Call Me Wazza is a captivating mini-documentary that intimately captures the remarkable journey of Warren Hawke, the lovable 70-year-old surf photographer from New Zealand. 

“As we delve into Hawke's day-to-day life, we are confronted with the harsh reality of his battle against cancer, a battle that has the potential to forever alter his world. With a runtime of 9 minutes, this engrossing documentary takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, showcasing the resilience and determination of a man facing his greatest challenge. 

“Filmed against the breathtaking backdrop of New Zealand, every frame of this visually stunning masterpiece serves as a testament to Hawke's unwavering passion for capturing the perfect wave. 'They Call Me Wazza' immerses us in a heart-wrenching and inspiring narrative, amplified by soul-stirring music tracks. Helmed by the talented director Jonathan Smit, this short film offers a glimpse into the profound story of Wazza." 

Credits: Cinematography, sound & edit - Jonathan Smit 

Jono's website -  Jono's Instagram