Page 6 - MidWeek - March 30, 2022

6 MIDWEEK MARCH 30, 2022
The Olympic medalist shat- tered records and is considered the father of modern-day surf- ing. The original documentary by Sidewinder Films contains commentary from surfers like Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore and Kelia Moniz, along with interviews from numerous watermen and waterwomen.
anamoku helping to rescue nu- merous people from a sinking yacht off of Corona del Mar, California. Keaulana notes that helping others, even if it means putting yourself in harm’s way, is the mark of a true waterman, and that Kah- anamoku was just that.
while sharing his phi- losophy of inclusion.
“The land doesn’t divide us, it’s the water that connects us,” Keaulana shares. “When we’re in the ocean, we’re all equal. The ocean doesn’t say you’re different.”
Waterman, a documentary that depicts Duke Kahanamoku’s life,
hits theaters April 1. PHOTO COURTESY THE PARAGON AGENCY
people to live better lives.
“I think people are inspired because I think what he did transcends surfing,” Ulich says. “Obviously he was a great surfer and he was a great swimmer, but there are a lot of great surfers and a lot of great swimmers. But they don’t re- ally have the approach to life
of the film is the spirit of alo- ha,” Ulich says. “I’ ve been in situations where some- body doesn’t treat me quite the way I should be treated. I catch myself just thinking ‘What would Duke do?’ and instead of being angry, I just take a breath and I try to turn the conversation around in a positive way.”
Brian Keaulana, whose father knew Kahanamoku, is one of the watermen fea- tured in the film.
“This film is for the whole ‘ohana,” states Duane DeSoto, who plays Kahanamoku in the film. “It’s a wonderful oppor- tunity to share Duke’s legacy of aloha with our keiki and en- sure they understand their ku-
Being that Kahanamoku is such a celebrated figure in Polynesian heritage, Wa- terman serves as a personal project for director Isaac Hala- sima. His uncle, Jan Gordon Fisher, even sculpted the fa- mous statue of Kahanamoku in Waikīkī.
“Being a waterman is really about the lifestyle,” Keaulana shares. “It’s really having a lot of knowledge and a lot of skills about the ocean — how to survive, how to play, how to work.”
leana to perpetuate the same values that Duke stood for in and out of the water.”
“As a fellow Polyne- sian-American, I’ve always looked at Duke as a hero,” states Halasima. “Waterman is my chance to honor Duke
that he had.
“One of the big messages
One of his favorite parts of the movie is
In addition to his impact on sports and lifesaving, the film also discusses how Kah-
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anamoku combated prejudice
Kahanamoku, a Native Ha- waiian who was able to use the ancient teachings and philosophies of his culture
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to change the world going forward.”
David Ulich, one of the producers, shares that while Waterman is an ed-
Waterman can be viewed in theaters throughout the state. For more information, visit watermanthemovie.com.
ucational film about Ka- hanamoku, he hopes the documentary challenges
Duke Kahanamoku’s Olympic debut took place in Stockholm,
Sweden in 1912.
PHOTO COURTESY
T. DELAVEGA FAMILY COLLECTION
To celebrate the film’s theater release, the cast and crew gathered together in Waikīkī. PHOTO COURTESY WATERMAN
Duke Kahanamoku, portrayed by Duane DeSoto,
catches a wave upside down in the documentary.
PHOTO COURTESY WATERMAN