The Unstoppable Bethany Hamilton

On Sunday Nov. 11. I was so lucky that I got to attend the premiere of the screening of Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable at the 38th Annual Hawaii International Film Festival Presented by Halekulani, and I can honestly say that it was one of my best movie experiences of 2018.

"Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable" directed and produced by surf cinematographer Aaron Lieber

UNSTOPPABLE is Bethany Hamilton´s complete and untold story that follows her journey from childhood into motherhood. The documentary contains both the ups and downs in her journey to become one of the leading professional surfers of all time. In short, this film is honest, touching and very inspiring to watch.

Bethany Hamilton has a really unique and inspiring story – and the documentary told this story in an excellent and exciting way. The storyline in the film do not follow a chronological order; It shifts between going back in time and showing the present. This was one of the things I really liked about the movie, since it shows how far she has come and how hope and hard work pays off. Another thing I really enjoyed with the film was how her family was included in the film. It was touching to see how supportive her husband is and how he always wants her to follow her dream and fight for her goals. It is also very inspiring to see that Bethany continue to reach for her goals although she has become a mother. She is showing everyone that you don´t need to choose between a career and being a mother. You can do both!

The film gives you an amazing experience of ocean and nature, both in Hawaii and elsewhere in the world. I was blown away several times by the different film effects. I have not watched a lot of surf films, but I was really impressed by the way they had filmed Bethany surfing and how they managed to capture all those amazing clips of the big waves and of course her surfing those waves. The film mediated how strong and powerful the ocean really is.

To wrap this up I just want to say that if you are looking for a film that will give you the feeling that you can reach every goal you set for yourself – this is the film to watch. Bethany Hamilton is a great inspiration and role model for everyone, and seeing and learning more about her story is really motivating.