Watch The Heart and the Sea

The Heart and the Sea is a documentary film that takes viewers on a breathtaking journey across some of the world's most beautiful surf locations. Directed by independent filmmaker Nathan Oldfield, the film explores the transformative power of ocean and surf culture through the experiences of big-wave surf legend Dave Rastovich and artist/filmmaker Lauren Lindsey Hill.

The Heart and the Sea is more than just a surf film - it's a meditation on nature, sustainability, community, and the profound ways in which the ocean can shape our lives. Through stunning footage of Rastovich and Hill surfing in places like Indonesia, Bali, and Northern California, the film invites viewers to reflect on the environmental and spiritual dimensions of surfing - and on the urgent need to protect and conserve our oceans.

What makes The Heart and the Sea so unique is its emphasis on storytelling and character development. Rather than simply showcasing surfing as an extreme sport, the film delves deeply into the personalities and motivations of Rastovich and Hill. Their journey from competitive surfing to environmental activism serves as a powerful reminder of the ways in which individual actions can have global impact.

Rastovich, who has won multiple world titles and is known for his fearless approach to big-wave surfing, serves as a kind of spiritual guide throughout the film. His surfing is breathtaking to watch, but it's his thoughtfulness and introspection that really stand out. Rastovich is deeply committed to environmental causes, and the film features some remarkable footage of him engaging with local communities in Indonesia to help protect the ocean and its fragile ecosystems.

Hill, for her part, brings an artist's eye to the film. A gifted painter and filmmaker in her own right, she creates stunning animations and visual sequences that bring Rastovich's and her own visions of surfing to life. Hill is also deeply committed to environmental causes, and her conversations with Rastovich about the urgent need for more sustainable ways of living are among the film's most memorable moments.

As much as The Heart and the Sea is about Rastovich and Hill, however, it's also about the larger surfing community. The film features interviews with a wide range of surfers - from seasoned veterans to youngsters just starting out - all of whom speak passionately about what surfing means to them. We also see the ways in which surfing can bring people together, regardless of race, language, or nationality. Whether it's sharing waves with locals in Bali or celebrating a big win with other surfers, the sense of camaraderie and connection is palpable.

Ultimately, what makes The Heart and the Sea such a powerful film is its message of hope. Despite the many challenges facing our oceans today - from pollution to climate change - Rastovich, Hill, and the other surfers featured in the film remain optimistic that change is possible. By working together, educating others, and taking meaningful action, they believe that we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for the planet.

Overall, The Heart and the Sea is a visually stunning, emotionally engrossing, and thought-provoking film that will appeal to anyone interested in nature, adventure, and the human spirit. From its breathtaking surfing footage to its inspiring message of hope, it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.