Virgin Blacktop | A New York Skate Odyssey

"Joyful, alive, and bursting at the seams with undeniable energy!”

– Adam Mast, The Independent

“Unique and touching study of growing up… nostalgic and beautiful.”

– Romy Somerset, Battle Royal With Cheese

“A powerful journey on small wheels you won’t forget… genuinely compelling.”

– David Duprey, That Momentin

“A joyous celebration… this is magic of the highest order… one of my favorite films of the year.”

– Steve Kopian, Unseen Films

“Our Grade: A+… this film is about skateboarding but so much more... 'I don’t skateboard' is not an excuse to not watch this film.”

– Chanse Alexandra, Film Snob Reviews

“A gripping narrative… it’s a film about the long-lasting friendships and sense of community…. I loved this documentary.”

– Mike Paulshock, Cine Punx

“Virgin Blacktop: a New York skate odyssey” is an uplifting and sometimes heart-breaking coming-of-age story about a super funky crew of suburban New York City kids.

When they met in 1977, they had nothing in common except a passion for skateboarding. Despite their vastly different ages, races and economic backgrounds and with their parents hands off approach, they formed a competitive, traveling team of spirited outsiders called the “Wizards”.

Now, nearly 40 years later, they remain friends but their lives have followed very different paths, from board rooms to jail cells.

Director Charlie Samuels, a filmmaker & photojournalist, has spent 24 years tracking down 1970’s 8mm film footage and documenting all nine lives. Documentary: 83 minutes. Exhibition formats: .MOV, Apple ProRes 4444, Blu-ray and DCP with 5.1 sound mix.