Soul Surfer Finishes Filming
An all-star cast, including Dennis Quaid, AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Kevin Sorbo, Lorraine Nicholson and Carrie Underwood, under the direction of Sean McNamara, has finished shooting the epic movie Soul Surfer, based on the real life story of champion surfer Bethany Hamilton. On Halloween Day, October 31, 2003, Bethany was surfing with her friend Alana Blanchard and Alana’s brother and father when a 15 foot shark attacked her, taking her left arm from just below the shoulder.
The movie, though covering the attack, also focuses on the tremendous effort required by Bethany to come back from wondering whether it would even be possible to surf again to her current ranking today as the number 12th rated professional women’s surfer in the world.
Turtle Bay Resort served as the production headquarters for the six weeks of filming. It is also featured in the movie itself, with one of the movie’s surf contests being the “Turtle Bay Resort Invitational”. Soul Surfer will be distributed by Sony Pictures and a fall 2010 release is currently expected. Be sure to check it out!
March 26th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I have watched Bethany grow up in contests before the accident. I new she was always going to be successful. My wife and I attended the benefit for her at Waimea Falls before we moved here. It was one of the best supports from the surfing community I had ever seen . The place was packed with every pro imaginable. It gave me chicken skin. We got to meet her parents , great people.Back on the Mainland I decided to go to the Honda Open in Huntington Beach to watch the contest . I got lucky on a space , pulled in and realized I had only plastic. I looked over next to me and it was Bethany and her Dad.They were leaving, so I wouldn’t loose my spot he gave me what was left on his ticket so I could go get some money. Like I said ,great people.A couple of weeks ago we were at V-land on Oahu and ran into Bethany and a couple of her friends surfing. I asked her how the movie was going. Later I reflected on that moment, I realized that maybe reliving that day could really suck.I then felt really bad in even asking the question. I can’t even imagine what agility it takes to surf with one arm. Strap your arm to your side and see how you can do! I have a hard time with two arms. I have also read her book . Bethany is a living hero in my book. She over came an obstacle in her life that not everyone could handle. She has done it with great courage. Bethany I pray that you will fulfill your dreams whatever they may be. A Inspired Fan . Aloha J.J.
March 27th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Wow, what a great experience you had! I met Bethany and her parents (who are fantastic) first about two years ago with the producers and the directors of Soul Surfer. I’ve been very blessed to be able to see some of the editing and the movie looks to me to be phenomenal. I can’t wait to get to see it!
April 9th, 2011 at 10:33 am
This movie is awesome! Its a must see movie for everyone out there! Go see it this weekend!