Short Stories 2011: Dagdraumer – Jack Johns

The art of bodyboarding captured in stunning detail

The pursuit of action sports isn’t about achieving fame, financial reward and glory. These may be the consequences of a successful career, but they are seldom the motivation behind this choice of lifestyle. It’s about expression, and a hunger for adrenaline and pushing boundaries. Allan Wilson’s Dagdraumer – the latest entry in the Relentless Energy Drink-fuelled Short Stories film competition – celebrates these characteristics through the story of bodyboarder Jack Johns.

Visual poetry

Without words, Dagdraumer – the Icelandic word for ‘daydreaming’ – tells the story of Johns’ dedication to his passion, which sees him working long stints in the city so he can afford trips to the sea to indulge what he loves doing most. The film should serve as an inspiration to anyone grafting to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

"“I wanted to create a surreal, dreamlike glimpse into life as a bodyboarder"

“[I wanted to create] a surreal, dreamlike glimpse into life as a bodyboarder, a more-than-often overlooked element of the surfing world,” explains Allan. He’s succeeded in his mission, contrasting and comparing the cold bleakness of the city with the sea’s epic beauty and unrelenting, unforgiving nature. The film is also a testament to the level of skill bodyboarders can attain, and a bold two fingers in the face of any of its detractors.