Hawaii to get preview of ‘Soul Surfer’

By Mike Gordon / mgordon@staradvertiser.com

Hawaii audiences will get a special preview of the new film about surfer Bethany Hamilton’s inspirational true story, “Soul Surfer,” at the Hawaii International Film Festival’s Spring Film Showcase.

“Soul Surfer” will be shown at the showcase April 3, several days ahead of the April 8 national release. The time has not been set but the film will be shown at Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18 Cinemas.

The film stars AnnaSophia Robb as Hamilton, Oscar-winner Helen Hunt and Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid as her parents and American Idol winner Carrie Underwood as the surfer’s friend and church leader. It was directed by Sean McNamara.

The film is distributed by TriStar Pictures.

“I think it’s a great human interest story,” said Chuck Boller, executive director of the film festival. “A surfer who was a champion already, then attacked by a shark — it’s a horror story that rings true in Hawaii. But then she goes on to rise above what seemed like insurmountable odds to become a champion.”

Hamilton was a talented young surfer from Kauai who lost her left arm in 2003 when a shark rose out of the water and attacked her. She was only 13. Hamilton survived the encounter and went on to thrive as both a professional surfer and an international role model.

“Soul Surfer,” which is based on her 2004 autobiography.

“Soul Surfer” is one of 30 films being screened at the showcase, which runs April 1-7.