LOCAL surfers are delighted to hear that the public premiere of a remarkable film about Irish surf will take place at Surfism at Sandinos in Derry on October 25.

'Driven' is the big wave documentary story of Causeway surfer Al Mennies and his mate Cotty's assault on Aileens. Aileens is the new big wave spot in Co. Clare, and since it was first surfed only a few years back, it has steadily become a global mecca for surfers seeking insane waves in the 40 foot plus category.

Both men trained hard for the day when finally a jet ski would tow them into one of the great waves on planet earth. The film also provides a unique insight into a dramatic rescue, after it appeared to onlookers that they were in serious danger as a huge wave engulfed Cotty. The story made the national news at the time.

Commenting, Alistair Mennie said, "Driven came about through years of surfing and having a passion for surfing and finding bigger and bigger waves. I knew for years that these sort of waves existed off our coastline and now we are riding them on a regular basis.

"Now that it has been proved that waves as big as can be found anywhere in the world exist off our shores, the only question left to be answered is how big can it get.

"Cotty and I are both excited about screening the film in the North West and are looking forward to the night in Sandinos."

Surfism events have already helped Magee student Shauna Ward compete at the World Surf Championships in California. The event also drew a huge crowd to support Letterkenny teenager Alan Doherty's campaign for facial surgery. Surfism draws on the talents and interests of local artists and surfers in an easy going, friendly atmosphere.

Organiser, Radio Foyle's Mark Patterson edits the BBC online surf platform. He said, "Alistair, or Big Al as he has become known, is a legend in the Irish surf scene. He is one of the very few locals who have gone to other global big wave spots and lived to tell the tale.

"As it happens, Aileens has been found in Al's own surfing backyard, and it's only appropriate that the first film to come out about this insane place focuses on the success of a local surfer.

"People will simply not believe the size of the waves in this film. It's like surfing off the top of the Guildhall. We're also delighted that Alistair himself will be there on the night."