EN ROUTE

This story holds such beautiful parenting tension. The boundless love this Dad has for his boys is remarkable - if only they fully realised how lucky they are. The sea is alluring and magical, and it also can create such vulnerability and connectedness. This film challenges what's most important in life, and inspires you to bond with family and nature. 

Children never expect their parents to separate, and there is no one to teach them how to navigate and adjust to spending time with a single parent. This film documents the Anderson’s family ShAFF-inspired, adventurous family tradition: a surf trip to Devon. In the age of permanent screen addiction and distraction, John attempts to connect and win his sons’ attention on this weekend adventure.  

12 years ago, the Anderson family first attended ShAFF and have since been loyal yearly participants, actively living out the heart of this film festival through entering into many brave and wild endeavours, from running and swimming to climbing and surfing. These boys are remarkable and have developed a contagious passion for outdoor play. 

‘En Route’ shows Thomas (16), Benji (13) and Finn (10) travelling on their surf trip without their mum for the first time, and the pressure and newness are evident in this blend of observational and poetic documentary. As they all search for who they are in the midst of this family separation, surfing in the sea is evidence of John’s relentless love and effort to connect through moments of sadness and adjustment.


Adventure is on their doorstep. Safety and peace are experienced in nature and time lost in the sea. The fight for connection becomes effortless in the waves.