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There's a reason the new movie "Waterman"—exclusively in theaters April 2022—has raked in so many film awards from festivals in multiple states. "Waterman" explores the life and influence of legendary Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku and his legacy as a swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing.
This real-life hero sets a high bar for youth and adults alike and teaches viewers to rise above persecution and to make the world better.
The film explores Duke Kahanamoku's role of using sports to break racial barriers with his incredible athletic accomplishments, his personal doctrine of Aloha and his surfing. It celebrates his triumphs and philosophy of kuleana [koo-lee-ah-nah], which means responsibility and a deeper sense of relationship incorporating the spirit of Aloha into one's life.
From modest roots in Waikīkī, Duke Kahanamoku 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 U.S. state. Yet relatively few outside Hawaiʻi know the full extent of Duke's impact on sports, lifesaving and combatting prejudice.
Kahanamoku battled both institutional and informal racism throughout his long life, whether as a dark-skinned man during the Olympic Games or even back home in Hawai'i, where white clubs refused entry to Native Hawaiians.
Duke's waterman lifestyle and skills made him a natural all-star athlete and eventual Olympic champion. But his story has never been well known.
"Growing up in Utah, there are hundreds of thousands of Polynesians out there, and it was surprising that no one really knew who Duke Kahanamoku was. And it bothered me," movie director Isaac Halasima said. Halasima set out to make sure Duke would not be lost to history.
"As a fellow Polynesian-American, I've always looked at Duke as a hero. 'Waterman' is my chance to honor Duke Kahanamoku, a native Hawaiian who was able to use the ancient teachings and philosophies of his culture to change the world going forward," Halasima said.
"In the process, he opened doors for Polynesians to succeed in a world still deep in its own struggle with discrimination and segregation. So, in a way, this is a story about how a defeated island nation, in the middle of the Pacific, saw one of its most loyal warriors win over the heart of America and then conquer the world."
And the impact doesn't stop there.
Producer David Ulich said, "This film will not only speak to Polynesians today but will inspire the world, in a time where divisiveness and contention are the go-go response, and teach the world but most importantly the rising generation that there is a better, more inspiring way to live and respond to what life throws at us."
A five-time Olympic medalist, 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. The timing of the movie release is appropriate because this year marks surfing's first-time inclusion in the Olympic Games.
This original documentary by Sidewinder Films ("At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal, Munich '72 and Beyond"), 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.
Adding to the essence of the film, Waterman also features talented A-list actor and native Hawaiian Jason Momoa ("Dune," "Aquaman") as the film's narrator.
"Jason has an incredible affinity, love and respect for Duke," said Halasima. "He's a waterman himself and brought that passion to this project."
See "Waterman," opening exclusively in theaters in Hawaii April 1, in Utah April 8 and in California April 15. It's one of those rare films that can better your life and those around you as you are inspired to embrace the Spirit of Aloha.
