A Zzyzx Films Production
Presented by Individually Wrapped Films
Presented by Individually Wrapped Films
Jesse’s Story is the powerful debut feature documentary from director Mark Jacobs, a raw, journalistic portrait of Jesse Billauer, a rising surf star whose world changed in an instant when a wave at Zuma Beach left him a quadriplegic at just 17 years old.
That day, it was Jesse’s closest friends in the water who reacted without hesitation, pulling him from the surf, keeping his head stable, and doing everything they could to keep him alive. Their quick thinking gave Jesse a second chance at life.
But survival was only the beginning.
The film follows Jesse's transformation from a driven young athlete into a global voice for resilience, leadership, and purpose. Alongside Jesse's own journey is the quiet but unwavering presence of his father, George Billauer, who gave up his career and devoted himself fully to his son’s recovery, becoming caregiver, advocate, and anchor in the storm. His sacrifice is a powerful testament to the depth of a father’s love.
Also featured is Jesse’s older brother, Josh Billauer, whose emotional reflection on that life-altering day and what it meant to watch his younger brother face such a dramatic new reality, adds an intimate layer of brotherhood, pain, and pride.
Told over the course of eight years, Jesse’s Story is not just about paralysis. It’s about the human spirit. It’s about showing up, for yourself, for your family, for your future, even when everything looks different than you ever imagined.
The film premiered as the opening night selection at the Malibu, Beverly Hills, Newport, San Diego, and AustralianFilm Festivals, earning both Jury and Audience Awards for Best Documentary across the globe.
Featuring Jesse Billauer, George Billauer, Josh Billauer, Christopher Reeve, Rob Machado, Shane Dorian, Kelly Slater, Bob Hurley, and Ben Harper, with music by Jack Johnson, Ziggy Marley, Jason Mraz, G. Love, Tristan Prettyman, Matt Costa, ALO, and more.
Jesse’s Story is a deeply personal, profoundly inspiring journey into what it really means to, as Jesse's suggests, "live life to the fullest".