Occy and Jack McCoy Team Up For ‘The Occumentary’ Film Tour On Aus’s East Coast

In 1999, tucked between Kelly Slater’s five-year run of ASP world titles and Sunny Garcia’s 2000 crown, Mark Occhilupo stood atop the surfing world after putting down the tinnie, getting off the couch and presenting his formidable backhand to helpless waves. 

Occy’s career-pinnacle performance was captured in Jack McCoy’s Occy: The Occumentary biopic and released to the masses 25 years ago. More than two decades later, Occy and Jack McCoy are hitting the road down the East Coast of Australia next month to screen the film in theaters. 

The two will host a Q&A with fans and have special guests join them on stage to talk about the film. Jack McCoy has remastered the footage, and this will be the first time the movie has been shown in cinemas. 

“I look back at this period as one of the most amazing experiences of my life and to have it documented in such a way is so special,” Occy said. “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years, but it’s going to be great to hit the road with Jack and celebrate the occasion with the surfing tribe.” 

The story began when Billabong founder Gordon Merchant sent a bloated Occy to Western Australia to live and train with McCoy and his family. Occy dropped 30 kilograms (66 pounds!) and he and McCoy began filming together. It culminated in Occy earning the mantle of oldest world champion (at the time) at age 33 in 1999.

“When I watched it back for the first time, it was like watching a whole new movie — people’s minds are going to be blown!” McCoy said. “Occy managed to do what many believed was the impossible. It’s truly one of the most inspirational and motivational stories in the history of Australian sport.” 

Check the dates and venues below. Tickets are available here. And do it soon because a Lorne show has already sold out.

• May 1 – The J, Noosa
• May 2 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
• May 5 – HOTA, Gold Coast
• May 8 – Event Cinema, Newcastle
• May 9 – Gala Cinema, Wollongong
• May 10 – Orpheum Cinema, Sydney
• May 11 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Central Coast
• May 15 – Astor Theatre, Melbourne
• May 1 7 – Lorne Theatre, Surf Coast