Carhartt announced today that its short film, “A Surfer’s Search” has been named the Best Video: Documentary in the 24th Annual Webby Awards. Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet.
The video was produced by Carhartt’s Vice President of Brand Creative, Brian Bennett, and directed by Kevin Steen of RATHAUS Films. It highlights the journey of cold weather surfer and craftsman, Erik Wilkie.
As a California-native now living in Wisconsin, Wilkie combines his passion for craftsmanship and surfing (in 32-degree water), By peering into the soul of a man that built his own home out piney woodland, the viewer gets a glimpse into the happiness he derives from his surfing adventures while being unbothered by the outside world.
The video becomes even more relevant now as we navigate uncertain times. With social distancing, it has been challenging for people to find or maintain their passion. Yet, for those who connect deeply with the water like Wilkie, they are finding creative ways to continue to #OutworkTheWater every day.
“At Carhartt we believe in the story and journey of hard working people and it was honor to make a film about a man like Erik Wilkie,” said Bennett. “He taught us so much about how to build your own world and his story is a true wake up call to anyone who seeks out a higher path in life.”
A Surfer’s Search has also received a number of additional accolades, including:
- 2020 MountainFilm Official Selection.
- 2020 San Diego Surf Film Festival Official Selection
- 2020 Webby Nominee “Best Branded Documentary”
- 2019 Kendal Mountain Festival 2019 Official Selection
- 2019 Vimeo Staff Pick
- 2019 London Surf Film Festival Official Selection and World Premiere
“Carhartt and RATHAUS Films has set the standard for innovation and creativity on the Internet,” said Claire Graves, Executive Director of The Webby Awards. “This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators.”
In conjunction with the Webby Award win, Carhartt, America’s leading workwear brand since 1889, is reintroducing some of its favorite gear from the Hurley X Carhartt collection, just in time for summer to help consumers #OutworkTheWater. These items are a culmination of the collaboration’s four-season drop and limited quantities are now available at a 25% discount on Carhartt.com.
The collection features products that blend the two brands’ defining characteristics of style, durability, and functionality for the elements. Eight pieces in the collection were deemed favorites and include women’s tanks, t-shirts, pants and jacket, as well as men’s t-shirts and shorts.
Consumers can shop these Hurley x Carhartt favorites by visiting www.Carhartt.com.
About Carhartt
Established in 1889, Carhartt is a global premium workwear brand with a rich heritage of developing rugged products for workers on and off the job. Headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, with more than 5,600 associates worldwide, Carhartt is family-owned and managed by the descendants of the company’s founder, Hamilton Carhartt. For more information, visit www.carhartt.com.
