Curt from Brendan Hearne on Vimeo.
Curt Harper is well-known in the Southern California surfing scene.
Diagnosed with autism at the age of two, Curt has faced a plethora of challenges growing up, as most diagnosed with the condition do.
But surfing has provided him with something very easy to love, and a place to really fit in.
Over the past 21 years Curt has helped many groms in the community get out and develop their skills, picking them up and driving them around to wherever the swell is.
"Every generation of groms grows up either going to surf with him, seeing him at the contests or just hanging out with him, said Dane Reynolds, a prominent pro-surfer who grew up around Curt.
"Everyone that surfs in Southern California knows Curt. He's famous."
Deeply loved by his community, and his parents who refused their doctor's advice to institutionalise him, this short documentary is a heart-warming tale of what happens when differences are embraced and people are given a chance to find their place.
The film was created by Brendan Hearne. To see more from the filmmaker head over here.
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