Apple Original Films has just revealed the highly anticipated trailer for The Last of the Sea Women, an inspiring documentary set to debut globally on Apple TV+ on October 11, 2024. Produced by Malala Yousafzai’s Extracurricular Productions and directed by Peabody Award nominee Sue Kim, this documentary sheds light on the courageous haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island, also known as “real-life mermaids.”
A Story of Resilience and Tradition
The Last of the Sea Women follows an extraordinary group of women, many in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s, as they continue a centuries-old tradition of diving deep into the ocean without oxygen to harvest seafood. The haenyeo’s way of life is under threat from both environmental changes and the passage of time, but these fearless grandmothers refuse to let their legacy fade. With the help of a younger generation turning to social media to preserve and revive the haenyeo culture, this documentary captures their fight against the odds to protect their beloved ocean and traditions.
The film focuses on themes of resilience, camaraderie, and empowerment, offering an uplifting look at how the haenyeo continue to inspire future generations. It’s a tale of women who are not only safeguarding their culture but also taking on global forces to preserve the ocean they call home.
A Powerful Collaboration
Directed and produced by Sue Kim, the documentary boasts an impressive lineup of producers and executive producers. Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel laureate and activist, serves as one of the film’s producers, alongside Erika Kennair. Executive producers include Nicole Stott, Emily Osborne, Harry Go, and Marissa Torres Ericson through A24, underscoring the film’s commitment to impactful storytelling.
Yousafzai’s involvement with The Last of the Sea Women further highlights the film’s focus on strong, resilient women. Through her production company, Extracurricular, Yousafzai continues to amplify voices and stories that inspire and challenge the status quo.
A World Premiere at TIFF 2024
Before its global release on Apple TV+, The Last of the Sea Women will make its world premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival® (TIFF) Docs Programme on Sunday, September 8, 2024. The film has already garnered significant buzz, with its blend of environmental activism, cultural preservation, and deeply personal storytelling promising to resonate with audiences around the world.
With its heartfelt portrayal of the haenyeo’s battle for survival, The Last of the Sea Women offers a moving tribute to the strength of community, the power of tradition, and the importance of protecting the environment.
About The Last of the Sea Women
RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2024
DIRECTOR: Sue Kim
PRODUCERS: Sue Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Erika Kennair
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nicole Stott, Emily Osbourne, Harry Go, Marissa Torres Ericson
DIRECTORS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Iris Ng, Eunsoo Chu
UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHER: Justin Turkowski
EDITORS: Erin Caspar, Yeong-a Kim
MUSIC BY: Jang Young Guy
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: A24, Extracurricular
FEATURING: Soon Deok Jang, Hee Soon Lee, Joo Hwa Kang, Im Saeng Ko, Geum Ok Lee, Jeongmin Woo, Young Ae Jeong, Sohee Jin, In Sook Park, Soon Shil Seo, Shaun Burnie, Soon-E Kim, Micol Saviam Mari Chang, Joo Hyun Kim
SYNOPSIS
In “The Last of the Sea Women,” an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors wage a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor — without oxygen — to harvest seafood for their livelihood.
Today, with most haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny and hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation’s fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence and infectious sense of empowerment. The story unfolds into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspire a new generation.
What do you think about the haenyeo’s fight to preserve their traditions and protect the ocean? How does their story inspire you? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media!
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