IMAGINE living on the beautiful island of Kauai, Hawaii, surfing, hanging out with friends and family, not a worry in the world - except catching the perfect wave. Then bam! All that is taken away in a split second by a tiger shark.
Soul Surfer is a film based on the true story about Bethany Hamilton who, at the age of 13 lost her left arm to a shark attack.
The movie details the events surrounding Hamilton's experience and her struggle during the aftermath. The film had a profound impact on one of Hamilton's fellow surfers, Sonya Balmores, another local surfer. From Kauai, the surfer-turned model/ actress plays Melina Birch, Hamilton's nemesis in the movie.
The role hit close to home because Balmores grew up surfing next to Hamilton. Both competed in surfing contests and although Hamilton was a few years younger, she knew the young surfer was riding a high wave towards a successful career.
"Even when she was 11 or 12 everyone knew she was going to be a professional surfer, she won every contest. So I have known the Hamiltons and watched Bethany kick butt for a while now," says Balmores.
The day the shark attacked happened is still very clear in Balmores'mind. "I remember Bethany's accident like it was 9/11," she says. "You just never ever forget a moment like that. We live on a small island so news travels fast. Oddly enough it was Halloween and I got a text message asking everyone to pray for Bethany because she was in the hospital after getting attacked by a shark."
Getting back in the water after Hamilton's attack was a bit hard but it did not stop Balmores from catching some waves. "There's a fear there for sure but fear does not make me stop surfing, " she says.
"Bethany tells people not to let their fear stop them from what they love to do. If she could get back on the board then anyone can." Balmores says.
It took the Hamilton family five years to get the film together and Balmores knew that it was going to be an amazing project from the get-go, especially since the story is one that inspires people. "For a kid to have to grow up that fast and do what she's done - it's just amazing. It's so humbling," says Balmores.
Soul Surfer is Balmores' first feature film and she got to work with experienced stars like Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid and Carrie Underwood.
The Hamilton family has been extremely hands-on throughout the entire process. "It was cool to see the Hamiltons every day and see them fight for the reality of each scene. It's a very fulfilling feeling . it's more than just a movie - it lifts people's spirits and gives them hope. After it was finished I was so blown away to be part of such an amazing story it's been so wonderful and powerful."
Balmores is partnering with World Vision Canada for a cross-Canada tour the first week of October. She will speak about her experiences and help promote the movie.
The film will screen twice in the Lower Mainland as part of the tour: Friday, Oct. 7, 12: 30 p.m. at Empire Oakridge Surrey, and Saturday, Oct. 8, 12: 30 p.m. at Empire Studio 12 Guildford.
For more information on the Free Soul Surfer Tour visit www.worldvisioncanada.ca/soulsurfer. For tickets to the screening, e-mail your name, phone number, city and how many tickets you require to [email protected].
