Independent Lens Season 4 Episode 10 Heart of the Sea: Kapolioka'ehukai

Heart of the Sea: Kapolioka'ehukai is the 10th episode of the 4th season of the popular American documentary television series, Independent Lens. The episode revolves around the story of Rell Sunn, a renowned Hawaiian surfer, who was also an environmentalist and a women's rights activist. Kapolioka'ehukai is the Hawaiian name given to Rell Sunn, which means "Heart of the Sea."

The documentary mainly focuses on Rell Sunn's life and her contribution towards the world of surfing. Sunn was born in Makaha, Hawaii, in 1950, and she discovered her love for surfing at an early age. She started surfing professionally in the 1970s and soon became famous for her unique style and innovative techniques. Sunn became the world champion of women's longboard surfing in 1977, a title she held for several years.

The documentary also highlights Sunn's struggle against the gender and racial discrimination prevalent in the surfing world in the 1970s. She faced a lot of resistance and criticism from the male surfers and the surf media, who believed that women had no place in the sport. Nevertheless, Sunn refused to back down and fought tirelessly for women's rights in surfing. She was instrumental in setting up the world championship of women's surfing in 1978, which paved the way for the women's surfing tour that exists today.

Apart from her surfing career, the documentary also explores Sunn's love for the ocean and her efforts towards protecting it. Sunn was deeply concerned about the environmental degradation caused by overfishing, pollution, and other human activities. She campaigned for the protection of the ocean and marine life and worked with several organizations to spread awareness about the issue.

However, Sunn's life took a tragic turn when she was diagnosed with cancer in the 1990s. Despite her illness, she continued to surf and fight for environmental causes until her very last days. Sunn passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired generations of surfers and environmentalists.

The documentary uses archival footage, interviews with Sunn's family and friends, and reenactments to tell her remarkable story. The visuals are stunning, showcasing the beauty of Hawaii's beaches and ocean waves. The narration is engaging, with a perfect blend of storytelling and factual information.

Overall, Heart of the Sea: Kapolioka'ehukai is a touching and inspiring documentary that celebrates the life and legacy of a true surfing legend. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in surfing, environmentalism, and women's rights.