poster for the documentary "Given"

“Given” follows a surfing family from their island home through 15 different countries in the quest for surf and to fulfill a calling handed down through generations. The documentary will be screened at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, in The Cole Art Center.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of the documentary “Given” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

The website https://www.giventhemovie.com describes “Given” as the simple yet powerfully contemplative story of a unique family legacy come full circle. Told through the visceral experience of a 6-year-old, “Given” follows legendary surfers Aamion and Daize Goodwin from their island home of Kauai through 15 different countries in the quest for surf and to fulfill a calling handed down through generations. Set in wave after wave of stunningly visual Earthscapes, “Given” blooms into a tender yet stirring exploration of a young boy’s understanding of life through his familial bonds and their reverence for nature.

Directed by Jess Bianchi, “Given” runs 72 minutes.

This screening is part of the School of Art’s monthly Friday Film Series and is sponsored in part by William Arscott, Nacogdoches Film Festival, Karon Gillespie, Mike Mollot, David Kulhavy, John and Kristen Heath, Galleria Z, Jill Carrington, Jean Stephens, Jim and Mary Neal, Richard Orton and Main Street Nacogdoches.

The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131.