Overview
“This is my new movie… I’ve been working on it for about a year now. A lot of editing, a lot of time. And I was kind of a bit nervous. This is Aaron Hadlow TWENTY.”
— Aaron Hadlow
“TWENTY” is a feature-length documentary film by Aaron Hadlow, premiered in 2019. The number “20” in the title signifies an anniversary work, marking approximately 20 years since he began kiteboarding. The film was directed and edited by Laci Kobulsky.
Background and Synopsis
The film is a culmination of the five-time freestyle world champion’s career, showcasing the three main disciplines that have shaped his journey: Big Air, Freestyle, and Park, each expressed in the world’s best locations. Filmed over a year and a half, the project spans five regions: Cape Town in South Africa, Cape Hatteras in the US, the Grenadines, Brazil, and his home country, the UK.
Featured Riders
Alongside the main star, Aaron Hadlow, the final UK section features his supportive friends, including Lewis Crathern, Tom Bridge, and Sam Light. Family members also appear to share stories of his roots and upbringing, making the film resonate with a broader audience beyond hardcore kiteboarders.
Impact on the Scene
“I was more planning to have this section as coming home, being back with the friends, and also the point was to show all the disciplines and the one place because throughout the movie, we show, we see all the disciplines and then in one place, we see everything. So it’s coming together.”
— Laci Kobulsky
The film was meticulously crafted, with over a month spent selecting music for each section and intentionally adding fake sound effects later to cover raw audio noise. Highly acclaimed as “the best kite movie in years” right after its release, it caused a massive stir in the kitesurfing scene. The emotional structure of returning to the UK to showcase all three disciplines in one place is highly regarded as an essential masterpiece for understanding Aaron’s history and appeal. The film is currently available for free on YouTube for fans worldwide to enjoy.
Search Aliases: TWENTY