When lifestyle brands or big corporations team up with documentary filmmakers on a project, the odds are 50-50 that the end result will be as inspired as the idea. For every Hoop Dreams, there’s a Jonas Brothers: 3D Concert Experience. But Quiksilver’s latest project is one that both makes sense for the iconic surf brand, while also bringing something new to the table.

The company has teamed up with director Matt Beauchesne at Irons Brothers Productions, on a new film called “Scratching the Surface.” This beautifully shot HD surf film documents the adventures of professional surfer Julian Wilson, along with friends and fellow professionals Dane Reynolds, Taj Burrow, Dusty Payne, Mick Fanning and others as they spend a year hitting some of the world’s most beautiful surf spots. Destinations include South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, California, Hawaii, France, Spain and Brazil. In other words, viewers are in for a scenic ride, that also packs a surprisingly emotional punch, as the 22-year-old Wilson experiences the trials and tests that come with growing up in the sport’s public eye, while simultaneously trying to conquer his own demons and — often surfing-unrelated — fears.

While we wish we were better surfers (we barely stayed up on our board the couple of times we’ve tried to ride a wave), we loved the pacing and cinematography of the film. The crew used everything from motor boats to helicopters to capture their shots, while incorporating shots from a so-called, non-intrusive “Phantom Camera.” The film is definitely worth checking out for the shooting quality on its own.

“Scratching the Surface” premieres next week in California. Check out the trailer below: