Bethany Hamilton Hosted A Wholesome Premiere For Her New Biopic “Unstoppable” In Hollywood Last Night

It takes special circumstances for a surf flick to pique interest outside of the industry. 

Bethany Hamilton is a unique figure beyond our little niche. For the rollout of her new biographical film, Unstoppable, Bethany kicked things off last night with a premiere nestled in the heart of old Hollywood. Bethany, being the belle of the ball, appeared vibrant in her red dress. She posed for countless photo ops with husband, Adam, and kids, Tobias and Wesley. 

You could tell that Bethany’s been part of a media frenzy ever since she infamously lost her arm surfing Tunnels in Kauai. She fielded each interview question with class, every photo request with a patient, practiced grace. She was flanked by director and filmmaker Aaron Lieber, who took his first swing at a full-length documentary with Unstoppable, the film for which we gathered last night. 

Outside of Beth’s sponsors, this was a markedly non-industry event, with producers, loved ones, and L.A. influencers showing up in support of this doco, six years in the making. While Hollywood movie premieres traditionally sit outside of the surf realm, this one seemed genuinely wholesome, and like the people there were willing and open to the impact of her story… that is everyone except the girl who had an assistant walking behind her with a sign sporting her name and Instagram handle. But hey, that’s Hollywood for ya.

The film takes the narrative of Bethany’s life out her previous feature film, Soul Surfer, the Hollywood rendition of Bethany’s life released in 2011. Unstoppable, allows her to write the narrative and tell her story for herself from start to finish.

Fun Soul Surfer fact: Tatiana Weston-Webb was Bethany’s stunt double for the flick. Getting scouted at 11, this opportunity allowed her to film on Oahu for two straight months with Bethany—an experience that was undoubtedly a building block for her amateur and professional success.

The doco weaves its way through Bethany’s childhood. It covers the infamous shark attack that took her arm, but focuses largely on how she has refused to let that experience define her.

She withdrew her name from an ESPY nomination for best female athlete with a disability, and she was right to do so. If you’re stomping air reverses (of both the fresh and saltwater varieties) and smoking Tyler Wright and Stephanie Gilmore at Cloudbreak with one arm while breastfeeding your newborn on the boat between heats, you can call yourself whatever you want. 

Don’t miss Unstoppable which opens in 205 theaters nationwide this Friday, July 12th, for a lesson in surfing, positivity, and life.