Griffin The Film

Griffin, The Film is a hybrid documentary that delves into the life of Rick Griffin—a visionary whose influence spanned surfing, rock music, and comic art. The untold true story of how a handsome teenage surfer from Southern California crashed his way through disfigurement, addiction, and bouts of inspired madness on his search for meaning—only to land center stage in 1960s counterculture as one of its most influential artists and icon makers.

The aim is to create a highly stylized and visually dazzling film—a deeply experiential blend of feature and documentary that immerses us in the mind and world of Griffin. This motion- graphics-heavy psychedelic romp offers a deep dive into the artistic genius's struggle to find himself in the vibrant chaos of the era he inhabited. We envision a fresh and wildly alive cinematic experience that looks and feels as rich as Rick’s life and art.

Produced by Steve Barilotti, in collaboration with the Griffin Estate and Farm League under fiscal sponsorship from the Pacific Film Foundation, the film explores Griffin’s lasting impact on art, music, and spirituality. Barilotti, a longtime editor for SURFER magazine and an accomplished author, has a deep connection to Griffin, having documented the legendary artist's influence on surf culture, rock, and psychedelic art. His extensive writing includes A Beautiful Pandemonium, which chronicles Griffin’s journey from surf culture cartoonist to a pivotal figure in the 1960s counterculture, highlighting his artistic evolution—from surf art and psychedelic posters to underground comics and later Christian-themed works.

As a seasoned filmmaker, Barilotti has written, produced, and directed several high-profile documentaries like Minds In The Water and 180 South, a Patagonia film that intertwines adventure with environmental advocacy. Barilotti is actively enlisting Rick's tribe to make this a film worthy of Griffin's enormous artistic and cultural legacy.