WATERMAN
DOCUMENTARY | 93 MINS | USA | DIRECTOR: ISAAC HALASIMA | PRODUCERS: STEVEN UNGERLEIDER, DAVID ULICH | NSW PREMIERE
Surfing legend. Olympic superstar. Hawaiian Icon. Global hero.
Five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges. Waterman explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer, and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing, following the sport’s first-time inclusion in this year’s Games – a fitting tribute to his work promoting the sport around the globe.
Narrated by Jason Momoa, this original documentary features commentary from surfing’s biggest stars, including newly-crowned Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore, while also delving into his personal successes, struggles and humanitarianism through rare footage, contemporary visuals and incisive interviews.
From modest roots in Waikiki, Duke swam his way to fame, becoming the face of a changing Hawaii - and a vital part of its tourism industry - as it evolved from an independent Kingdom to the 50th American state. Yet relatively few outside Hawaii know the full extent of Duke’s impact on sports, lifesaving, and combatting prejudice.
Through Duke’s incredible athletic accomplishments, personal doctrine of Aloha, and enduring gift of surfing to the world, the film explores a theme that still resonates today – the role of sports in breaking societal barriers – and celebrates his triumphs and philosophy of inclusion, challenging us all to embrace diversity and incorporate Aloha into our own lives.
Featuring Kelly Slater, Jack Johnson, Carissa Moore, Laird Hamilton, Kai Lenny. David Davis& Desoto Brown
Reviews
“We could all learn something from Duke, and his culture, during these divisive times”
“A grand feel-good remembrance of an epic life, a documentary that could make even non-surfers and haoles swell with tearful pride that the human race ever produced this bronze god who walked among us and changed the world.”
