Thomas Campbell Releases New Film 'Yi-Wo' Online

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jake Howard | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 5:58 PM ET

“A poet makes himself a visionary through a long, boundless, and systematized disorganization of all the senses," once described the French poet Arthur Rimbaud.

Maybe that's a good jumping-off point for Thomas Campbell's new film "Yi-Wo." Ten years in the making, the film is now out in the world. A "systematized disorganization" of the surfing senses, to date, Campbell's opus has only been seen in limited theatrical screenings and a brief online showing, but it's now officially available to stream via the Um Yeah Arts Vimeo channel.

"I am really excited and finally relieved to be able to share this film with you," Campbell shared with SURFER. "It took a village to make such a thing and I think it turned out in a very original manner. But, whatever you see is what it is, so enjoy the ride."

Shot around the world, from Indo, to Costa Rica, to Morocco, "Yi-Wo" features the eclectic stylings of Ryan Burch, Craig Anderson, Dave Rastovich, Joel Tudor, Karina Rozunko, Bryce Young and friends. Showcasing an impeccably stylish, timeless brand of surfing, the project was filmed primarily by Campbell, Dave Homcy, Scott Soens, Tyge Landa, and Chris Bryan. As one would expect, the cinematography and surfing are both visually stunning, as is the creative art direction Campbell took things.

"When it came to the music for the film, I knew I wanted it to be original and started making some music with my friend Monty Vallier in his studio, Ruminator Audio, in San Francisco," Campbell says.

"This is a totally independently funded movie with no corporate backing," he adds. "Which was intentional to let the muse guide this experiment into I think uncharted waters. So please support art and the art of wave riding."

You can now purchase "Yi-Wo" for a meager $25...less than a couple margaritas as your favorite Mexican restaurant. Head over to Um Yeah Art Vimeo channel, pay the man, and watch the film until you vibrate off the couch and into the ocean.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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