Big Island invited to free screening of award-winning Duke Kahanamoku film, “Waterman”

The Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy in Kamuela – in partnership with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee – is nearing the conclusion of this year’s “Voices for Belonging and Community Conversations,” a film series to inspire thoughtful dialogue about place, identity and belonging through storytelling.

As the fourth and final offering of the film series, the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy is hosting a special film screening of “Waterman,” an award-winning and Emmy-nominated documentary co-produced by Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy alumnus and current board of trustees member William “Bill” D. Pratt (class of 1986).

The screening will take place April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Gates Performing Arts Center on the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy’s Upper Campus. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Pratt.

Admission is free and open to the public.

“Waterman” – narrated by Jason Mamoa – chronicles the life of five-time Olympic medalist and Native Hawaiian Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, who shattered records and brought surfing to the world while overcoming a lifetime of personal challenges.

“Waterman” explores his journey and legacy as a legendary swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing.

Through Kahanamoku’s incredible athletic accomplishments, personal doctrine of aloha and enduring gift of surfing to the world, the film explores a theme that still resonates today – the role of sports in breaking societal barriers – and celebrates his triumphs and philosophy of inclusion, challenging everyone to embrace diversity and incorporate aloha into their own lives.

The “Waterman” trailer can be viewed on the documentary’s official website, here.