Hotpipe Hillbillies

If you’ve been keeping an eye on local happenings, you’ve likely heard the name Hotpipe Hillbillies floating around. This isn't just another film; it’s a documentary produced right here in Brighton & Hove by Friday Film Club Productions, capturing a very specific slice of South Coast life. The film centers on a diverse group of surfers who regularly brave the often messy, industrial waves found off the Shoreham coast. What makes the documentary compelling is its focus on community, resilience, and the sheer joy found in the pursuit of a passion, regardless of whether the conditions are perfect. It’s a story that highlights that enthusiasm and dedication are far more important than achieving textbook perfection, a theme that resonates well beyond the surfing community.

The initial premiere of Hotpipe Hillbillies back on January 22nd, which included a Q&A session, was met with huge demand and quickly sold out. Thankfully, they added a second screening date for those who missed out. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This showing will take place at Komedia Brighton, specifically in the intimate setting of the Komedia Basement. If you plan on attending, the doors are scheduled to open at 7:00 PM. Given how quickly the first date went, it’s clear there’s a lot of local interest in seeing this story unfold on the big screen.

A few practical details to keep in mind if you decide to go: seating for the event is unreserved, so it’s a first-come, first-served situation once the doors open. Also, while the film is generally accessible, there is an age restriction of 9+, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Regarding tickets, while the original sold-out premiere was advertised with tickets starting "From Free," we don't have explicit pricing confirmed for this February 4th screening. However, knowing that the first event offered low-cost or free options might give you a hint about the general accessibility. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity to support local filmmaking and catch a unique perspective on our often-overlooked industrial coastline.