Jackson, Wyoming — January 17, 2007 — The 2007 Alpinist Film Festival announced today that surfing legend Gerry Lopez will be the featured presenter for Surf Night, to be held on March 16th. Mr. Lopez, a widely-known and highly-regarded celebrity within the surfing and outdoor industry, and, on occasion, the studio sets of Hollywood, will present surf films, both new and old, that have helped shape his career in the surfing industry.
“Given our efforts to bring Gerry Lopez to last year’s Festival, it’s an honor to have him sign back up,” said Festival Founder and Director Christian Beckwith. In 2006, Lopez had been slated to present Surf Night as well, but a family emergency scuttled his plans a handful of days before Opening Night. Yvon Chouinard, who was scheduled to present Stone Night, suggested Micky Munoz as a replacement for Lopez, and Munoz and Chouinard presented Surf Night together, wowing the capacity crowd at the Walk Festival Hall in Teton Village.
This year, Mr. Lopez will present “An Evening with Gerry Lopez.”
“To have Gerry handpick some of the films that we’ll be screening, the works that he personally views as among the best and that have helped shape his outstanding career–obviously that is more than we can ask for,” said Beckwith.
Mr. Lopez, a native of Honolulu, is most widely known for his mastery of Hawaii’s Pipeline (for which he is often called “Mr. Pipeline”). In 1972 and 1973, Mr. Lopez won the prestigious Pipe Masters competition; he made the finals four other times. In addition to his involvement in the surfing industry, Mr. Lopez also acts on occasion, most notably in “Conan the Barbarian,” co-starring with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr. Lopez also serves as ambassador to Patagonia and is the founder of his own surfboard, snowboard, and clothing label.
The 2007 Alpinist Film Festival takes place March 15-17 in Jackson, Wyoming at The Center for the Arts. Surf Night takes place March 16th. Tickets will soon be available through The Center for the Arts and can be purchased through their box office and online by visiting the Center’s website at www.jhcenterforthearts.org. Information on the 2007 Alpinist Film Festival can be found on the web at www.alpinist.com/p//film or by calling Alpinist Magazine at (307) 734 – 0600.