Bethany Hamilton’s Feature Film, “UNSTOPPABLE”, To Premiere At The Australian Open

Bethany Hamilton is arguably the most famous surfer in the world. She’s been called an inspiration. An icon. And after losing her arm to a 14-foot tiger shark at a reef pass in Kauai when she was a teen, Bethany has gone on to compete in Women’s CT events, hold the rope and whip into Jaws bombs, and, to our knowledge, is the only person in the world who can do air-revos with one arm. Not to mention after the dismembering bite, within two years, Bethany returned to the water and won an NSSA National Title.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of watching Miss Hamilton surf in person, you’ve sat in awe. She navigates a lineup with ease. And, at spots as competitive as Rocky Point during Vans Triple Crown season, Bethany is on every set, slipping into tubes, feathering the sky with her rail and airing out her fins.

It’s truly a sight to behold.

Her profile film, UNSTOPPABLE, directed by Aaron Lieber has yet to be released, although it plans to hitting theaters this year. Before then, they’re having a couple premieres. If you are in the Melbourne area, the film will be showing at the Australian Open on January 24th as part of the AO Sports Film Festival. After the film, Laura Enever will be hosting a Q&A with Mr. Lieber.

“I started creating Bethany Hamilton’s film UNSTOPPABLE with the intent to change people’s perception of her,” says Mr. Lieber. “I had just finished two female surf films, Nike’s LEAVE A MESSAGE and another ZERO TO 100: THE LAKEY PETERSON STORY. Through those two films I had worked with all the best female surfers in the world and I saw that Bethany was at that level.

“Initially we set out to make a short action film that would simply showcase her skill sets. A few months into the project Bethany landed one of the best airs of her life, and one of the best in female surf history. We were off to an incredible start. But then the unexpected happened, Bethany got pregnant. This was amazing and exciting news, but at the time I had no idea what it would mean for the film. Would we fall short of our film goals? Would we continue? If we did, what would that look like? How would we do it? Making a film and traveling with a newborn baby seemed impossible.

“Bethany and her husband Adam took a few weeks to think about it all. Finally, I got the call. We were going to move forward with the film. As a group we knew this would mean a much bigger and more in depth film. The original film title was SURFS LIKE A GIRL and it was at this point that the film evolved to become UNSTOPPABLE.

“At the time I knew what an amazing opportunity this would be to document and redefine not only Bethany’s life, but also what it means to be a mother, a woman, an athlete and simply a person. I had no idea that the film would evolve into a five-year journey.

“I hope people watch this film and are motivated to take action in their own life. The only constant in life is change and how you decide to adapt to these changes will define you. I can honestly say that you won’t plan the best things that will happen in your life, all you can do is live with intent. Set goals, pursue and adapt. Success isn’t a destination you will reach, it happens every day. It is the repetition of relentless persistence.”

For more information on the film and showing, head here.