Yesterday, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joylan Hoff, the visionary director and writer behind the much-anticipated surf-culture film, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE YESTERDAY. Joylan has spent the past month touring Australia, hosting special screenings of the film ahead of its official release tomorrow November 21st that will hit over 50 screens thourghout Australia. During our filmed chat, he shared a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creative journey that brought this cinematic treasure to life. Check out here on our channel

This is a film that is Described as a poetic homage to Australia’s early surf culture, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE YESTERDAY is a stunning blend of unearthed 16mm footage and an evocative original soundtrack by Headland. Hoff meticulously pieced together hundreds of hours of lovingly restored archival reels to create a film that is as much a tribute to the past as it is a reflection on the enduring spirit of surf culture.

Director Jolyon Hoff and Editor Ernest Hariyanto working hard_Credit Hamish Ludbrook

The film takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, showcasing a wild and free-spirited community that carved out a new way of living along Australia’s coastline. It captures the raw beauty and the unbridled joy of those early pioneers while asking thought-provoking questions about the passage of time: What do we keep, and what do we leave behind?

Featuring appearances from iconic figures like Tim Winton, Wayne Lynch, Bob McTavish, Albe Falzon, Evelyn Rich, and Maurice Cole, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HERE YESTERDAY is more than a documentary—it’s a heartfelt cinema poem that immerses audiences in the salt-infused world of Australia’s surf heritage.

This is one film you won’t want to miss and must see in the cinemas.

Caroline Russo interview