“Johnstone tells a captivating story which deserves to be seen. It’s very entertaining and absolutely worth watching.”
— Film Threat
Hicks on Sticks
Feature Documentary
Director, Writer, Cinematographer & Editor
In the summer of 1999, a team of four skateboarders and two bands embarked on a life-changing tour. The goal was to inspire kids in rural areas by exposing them to skateboarding and music they wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to see in person. Everyone on board grew up in small towns themselves so the tour was affectionately dubbed “Hicks On Sticks”.
Towing a 5,000-pound portable skateboard park behind an old van with failing brakes, the young team traveled nearly 3,000 km through the mountains of Western Canada putting on eight shows. The only financial sponsor dropped out shortly before the tour began but plans went ahead. Longstanding friendships were inevitably tested by the long hauls and lack of money.
“Hicks On Sticks” is a documentary that Soren had been working on (and off) since 1999 when he had traveled and documented the tour. In 2006, he had received a grant from the BC Arts Council to help continue working on the film, following up and conducting interviews with all of the key players and finally completing the final cut in 2012.
“Hicks On Sticks” took home the award for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Action Sports Filmmaking’ at the 2012 Newport Beach Film Festival. The film features an original score composed and performed by Canadian artist, Aaron Read.
Selected Film Review: Film Threat
