SOUL SURFER, the feature film about Bethany Hamilton’s inspirational story, was presented by the Hawaii Ocean Film Festival and the Waipa Foundation. These events are normally ticketed, but with Friends of Bethany’s sponsorship, the movie was presented to the community FREE of charge!
What a beautiful and special night it was under the stars (and a few clouds!) in the charming town of Hanalei, Hawaii.
“I used to play soccer on this field” Bethany fondly recalled as she and her family said a few welcoming words to the 1000+ attendees. They noted how special it was to have SOUL SURFER showing for free to their friends & community as a “Mahalo” (Thank you) for all the support over the years.
Friends of Bethany volunteers passed out bookmark flyers for the foundation before the film started, while Bethany took pictures with fans and friends.
(L to R) Becky, Noah, Cheri, Bethany, Tom Hamilton, Sarah Hill (played by Carrie Underwood in Soul Surfer), Tim Hamilton, Sonya Balmores-Chung (plays “Malina”).
The film began after sunset. Despite a few bouts of rain, the majority of the guests stayed til the end of the film and it was, all together, a beautiful evening!
Clint - I just wanted to say that your movie was an absolute pleasure to watch with my 6 and 4 yr old girls. It was so refreshing to see someone actually admit to loving and believing in JESUS CHRIST at that level. I am absolutely inspired by your story. I am going to buy this movie for my church and show to the young ones there. We have a woman there who lost her arm a few years ago in a car accident. Then this year her husband committed suicide. She is raising three kids all by herself and she inspires just like you do. I thank you for being who you are and for being my sister in faith. Sincerely, Clint McCance.
sarah - dear bethany probly evreybody is proud of you i know your brave you went back in the water when a shark bit your arm and you went back so that is called brave!!!!!!!!!
sadeel - Bethany I have watched your lots of times I showed it to my church because you are amazing Bethany you inspired me I live in huawei i have surfed lots of times only that i never done a big wave like you <3!!!!!!!!!!!
kamryn - wow she is a living mericle she is so dretermind