Rell Sunn was one of those rare people that everyone loved, and it’s not hard to see why: not only was she a talented professional surfer, but also a wonderful mother, patient teacher, gifted cultural practitioner, and generous community activist. Heart of the Sea—an excellent documentary by Lisa Denker and Charlotte Lagarde about Sunn’s remarkable life—is now available to purchase at Borders locations around the state and on the Women Make Movies website. This inspiring film—which includes interviews with Rell and those closest to her, along with amazing footage of the expert waterwoman doing what she loved best (not just surfing, but also diving, canoeing, and spearfishing—has won numerous accolades, including the Aloha Spirit Award from the Hawaii International Film Festival. Heart of the Sea would make an excellent gift for anyone who loves Hawaii and its famed Aloha Spirit, which—with her gracious and beautiful spirit—Rell was a true embodiment of.

—, 12/13/06