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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
5/7/03
Jeff Richardson
Homer, Alaska
I was only able to watch the first half of the film and the very end due to an important phone call, so I am looking forward to securing a video copy.
However, I was moved by what I did see and hear. The film told several love stories simultaneously in a simple, straightforward style that belied its considerable film-making craft. To those of us who did not previously know Rell Sunn, it spoke in a clear, compelling voice and thus gave us not just a remarkable hero, but an aunty, a new and very dear friend with remarkable gifts of courage, kindness and inspiration.
A deep appreciation to the filmmakers, to Rell Sunn's family and to the scores of individuals whose interviews and other contributions made Heart of the Sea so rich and so evocative of Rell Sunn and her beloved Hawai'i.
warm best wishes to all,
5/7/03
Diana Lee
San Antonio Texas
I enjoyed the story of Rell Sunn, Makaha Surfer Queen. I too grew up in Hawaii and used to run after the DDT Truck that passed by our house with a cloud of smoke, which we thought was cool. My sister Linda, graduated 1969 at Waianae High School with Rell Sunn, told me she remembers the Sunn Sisters who were very well known as great surfers. It is so sad that Makaha has had a great loss in Rell Sunn who was instrumental in pioneering Women Surfers and inspired everyone to persevere in life and in anything we do and make it good the best way you can.
Aloha, Rell and Mahalo
5/7/03
Hilarie Orman
This is perfect television - simply the most beautiful and moving program I've ever seen. It casts a spell and I'll never forget a moment or a nuance of that hour.
5/7/03
Jamie Tanguay
I was extremely moved by the story of Rell Sunn. Two years ago, at age 39, I was diagnosed with breast cancer . . . I have just begun to live again and am enjoying the gift of life each day. Rell's life is a beautiful example of tremendous courage; she is an inspiration and wonderful role model for all women. Thank you so very much for making this film!
5/7/03
gene mayor
mesquite , texas
while i was working on programming pc i caught bits and peices of this program and little by little it captured my entire being and slamed me against the wall , how small my problems are and how bad i handle them , this beautiful life story of this beautiful woman has inspired me . This show should be shown twice a week for the rest of the year its beauty and inspiration should be seen by all.
5/7/03
Bill Collier
I just finished watching Rell Sunn's story. I don't surf and I live hundreds of miles from any ocean. I have nothing in common with Rell Sun and had never heard of her until about an hour ago when I watched her on PBS. Now,I don't think I will ever forget her. That woman is a wonderful example of what triumph of the human spirit is all about. I don't want to sound too corny but from now on I will think of her when ever a challenge comes my way.
5/7/03
John Alberding
Duluh, MN
My wife is an employee of the American Cancer Society as an Income Developement Coordinator.
She was at a meeting tonight and has a full schedule to continue raising funds in the support of cancer research, so she missed the documentary.
This film merits its' own class of fulfillment in the realm of education about this disease! And the effect it's victims allow in the control of their lives! Rell Sunn was an advocate for prevention, as the ACS, is one advocate for cure.
Blessing to All Involved!
Rell Sunn
5/7/03
Stu Williams
Tucson, AZ
I didn't know Rell Sunn personally, but knew she was a major positive force for the leeward O'ahu community of Makaha when I lived in Hawaii. She handled her cancer with so much grace and dignity -- such a fine person and a real loss -- and your film, and soundtrack, were exquisite. Many, many mahalos a nui loa for this production.
5/7/03
Roy K. Fields
My cousin surfed when I was young. I have never had the chance to experience the feeling one gets from surfing. I get a kind of rush in another way. I have been a Bullrider for about eight years now. I have taken a few good injuries home over those years, so I have gotten a little scared. After watching Rell's story on PBS, I see what I have gone through is nothing to be scared of. From now on, I will think of Rell every time I put my hand in that rope. I will think of the way she always bounced back and never showed her pain. She seemed to care for everyone and everything. I can only hope someone else can even come close to being like her. I know now what I will be striving for. I would have loved to have gotten the chance to meet her.
5/7/03
Bob Farley
Ewa Beach, HI
As someone new to living on Oahu, THANK YOU for such a moving tribute to someone who lived life with such grace, courage, and aloha spirit. I have often sat on the beach at Makaha without knowing her story. I will now hold a profound new reverence for that special place each time I visit. I am very grateful to you for making me aware. To all those who knew and loved Rell Sun, you were very lucky to have been touched by her life. She continues to reach out and touch, even now, through this wonderful tribute.
5/7/03
"Heart of the Sea" is absolutely captivating. The exquisite cinematography, Rell Sunn's warmth and charisma and the beautiful way in which her story was crafted by the filmmakers carried me through the hour as if on a wave.
This film presented me with a role model -- a woman who did not, would not let fear of losing her life overtake her passion for living it every day. Thank you to Charlotte Lagarde and Lisa Denker for introducing us to a woman who is not only a Hawaiian legend, but a universal inspiration for all of us.
5/7/03
Doug Pifer
Albany, Oregon
Rell Sunn, definitely inspiring. A surfer myself 25 years ago, I kept up on surfing action and news. It was good to hear her name again and though her life was cut short, it really wasn't because of the inspirational life that she led. What a winner. What a person. What a woman.
5/7/03
Alapuakai Carroll
Waianae, Hawaii
I don't remember much about Rell as when she passed away I was only 6 or 7 years of age. Now I am 13. Sometimes I would go to beach with my Dad and I would see her. I noticed that she was bald every once in a while but I always sort of knew that it wasn't what she looked like on the outside that mattered, it was what was inside that matters. One of the only things I remember about Rell passing away was the day everybody went to the beach to scatter her ashes. I remember when they sang. My parents said that just a little while after I was born we all went to a party in Nanakuli. Auntie Rell was there and she said to my parents,"You sure make cute kids but this one tops them all!"( I am the youngest of 4) Rell was a beautiful person, inside and out and we all love her dearly.
5/7/03
Maya Anderson
Vancouver,WA
I must unfortunately admit, that I rarely watch PBS- but this film caught my attention immediately. It turned out to be one of the most touching and thought provoking stories I have heard. I have never surfed-never been to Hawaii, but Rell's experiences and struggles are something all women can somehow relate to. She is truly a blessing to anyone who had the privelege of meeting her. Her strength and spirit are something we all should hope to stive for. She was a beautiful human being that will not be forgotten. I for one will be inspired by her story.
Thank you for bringing it to us in such an artistic way.
5/7/03
breck eigelberner
san francisco, ca
what a beautiful person.
what a beautiful soul.
for those who knew her
and for those whose lives
she touched,
how fortunate.
5/7/03
I just finished watching the pbs special on Rell Sunn...WHAT AN AMAZING WOMAN! I sat there in tears, not of sadness of her illness and passing, although it is sad that she lost her battle with cancer, but rather I cried tears of joy and awe! Such an incredible person, what an indomitable spirit! If only I had one small piece of this woman's courage, stength and determination! I feel that her story is an encouragement to us all. I truly felt blessed as a fellow human just to share in this glimpse of her life.
5/7/03
Danvers Fletcher
Kapolei, Hawaii
Back in 1991 it was - the first time I surfed Makaha. Having moved to the North Shore earlier that year after finishing Art school in cold water San Francisco. It was Christmas Day and my first visit to the infamous Westside of O'ahu. Being "Haole" (white), and knowing the reception might we less that warm by the locals, I entered the water with some trepidation - although what a beautiful day that was: surf running 5 to 6 feet - Hot and glassy! Paddling out into the channel I was taken by the vision of a golden woman dropping into a set wave, expertly turning off the bottom and setting up for a dream-like long long noseride. So long that as she came on down the line, shimmering in a halo of back lite sunlite - surrounding her graceful form, she pulled out right next to me. She looked at me, the newcomer, smiled a radiant smile and said, "Aloha, welcome..." That was Rell Sunn. I am changed by the experience. That is living artistry. I saw and felt true Aloha.
5/7/03
Conrad Roland
Holualoa, Hawaii
MAHALO for one of the most moving films about the human spirit and about Hawaii. About a truly brave and exceptional human being. About the real people of Hawaii.
Congratulations to the directors who managed to make a very emotional film without once resorting to sentimentality. A big Mahalo to the photographer who showed again and again what surfing is all about, one could feel the water rushing and pushing under the surfboard; even the hospital scenes with the ocean images overlaid were marvellous.
This film deserves to be shown at every film festival around the world - and it will receive a lei of awards.
Heart of the Sea made me happy and proud to live in Hawaii and to love Hawaii's great people.
I wish this film enormous success.
Please syncronize it and show it around the world.
5/7/03
Pat Morrison
Midland, Tx
I'm a female but I'm not an athlete but I loved this show and this woman.
I don't easily cry like most women but I cried at different points and at the end I was bawling my eyes out.
What a moving documentary and what a special woman!!!!!
5/7/03
Mosi A. Bundu
I have had a voice that I have not cultivated in my 54 years on this planet. I have thought a lot of things written some down and hope to write some other things. This program about Rall Sunn, her life her inspiration, dedication to life others and her passion is remarkable. She knew her voice from the beginning and expressed that voice. Today during a particularly bad storm, the same system that has killed over 40 people I thought, Nature is trying to kill us everyday in any way it can...and we fight back....and as I am thinking as I write this we Rall against that formidable force and we endure....
5/7/03
Karen R. Thompson
Austin, TX
Living all my 59 years in Austin Texas, I have never been surfing nor have I really paid any real attention to the sport. How wonderful to learn about Rell Sunn. I am enriched to know her achievements and undoubtedly she influenced all who had the privilege of knowing her.Where would we be without PBS? I love it, it teaches me so much!!
Thanks!!
5/7/03
thank you for showing the Heart of the sea on your program. it was a wonderful gift, and incredibly moving. I wish it were a longer program, but still an amazing show.
5/7/03
Jim Elliott
Mnt Home AR
Your show on the life of Rell Sunn really touched my soul, flipping through channels her smileing face caught my attention. Her story of course touched my heart, she truly was an inspiration to everyone she met in her life. And she is still touching lives as she has now touched mine even after her passing, her daughter must truly feel blessed as her friends and family for knowing such a wonderful person! Thank you for bringing her story to my home, though I live in AR now I grew up Surfing in Calif and Fla. Her life was my dream, Jim
5/7/03
Karen Johnson
Hibbing, Mn.
I have not been so moved by a film in a long time! Rell was a truly courageous and beautiful woman. In her life, often shadowed by pain, she thought of others rather than herself. Rell's life reflects her love of life, surf, and people. Not only did she stand as an exceptional surfer, but she stood as an exceptional human being. I wish I could have met her!
5/7/03
Hello!
I was deeply touched by Rell Sunn's story in "Heart of the Sea". You see, I was also an athlete and single mom who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34. She was truly an amazing woman and through people such as you, her legacy continues. I have a support and advocacy group for young women with breast cancer called the Big C Chicks. Like "Auntie Rell" did for the last 15 years of her life, we also promote breast cancer awareness among other young women.
5/7/03
shannon
New York
I am a 24 year old women who saw the film about Rell Sunn today. I couldn't beleive the strengh she had. The way she loved the ocean , children and everything that she was involved in. I could only hope that in my life i can reach as many goals and passions she has. I fell that Rell Sunn is a remarkable person who had alot of passion for what she loved and believed in. Thank you for sharing her wonderful story.
5/7/03
Bergin O'Malley
New York, NY
What an incredible inspiration. Living in New York City, it is easy to forget how connected we are to our natural world and it is incredible how we are able to view ourselves as independent fromóand almost superior to--nature. This inorganic reality runs so counter to what Rell Sunn---and the filmmakers and the others featured in "Heart of the Sea,"---espouse and live and breathe. The humility Rell possessed, and her strength of character and inner peace is just remarkable.
Thank you for capturing this vivacious spirit who undoubtedly touched so many in her lifetime and continues to do so now through the story you told. This legacy of her sense of community and commitment and raw-strength are lessons not only for the young Hawaiian aspiring-surfers, but for all of us who wish to pursue our dreams with unbridled passion.
I am so glad that I happened across this film, and thank you, once again, for sharing the story of this most remarkable woman in such a profound, beautiful manner.
5/7/03
Pat Romano
Ramsey, NJ
What an inspiration to all women "Heart of the Sea" provided. Rell Sunn is truly a remarkable person and a wonderful human being. I was so touched by her spirit and courage. What a marvelous movie this would make. Never before does the world need someone with her regard for life to encourage our youth to aspire to a legacy of purpose. She is truly a modern day hero and her memory should be widely honored.
5/7/03
Cyndie Hasty
New York, NY
This is one of the best programs I've ever seen, ever in my life!
I wasn't aware of the beautiful subject of this documentary before, so many thanks for sharing the amazing life of Rell Sunn. She will stay in my heart always, a true hero whose life was grounded in love for nature, people and especially children. Her spirit has touched me deeply. Kudos also to the producers for the gorgeous cinematography, beautifully done narratives and production. We couldn't stop watching for a second. Thanks for sharing Rell's compelling, inspirational life in such a moving way.
5/7/03
Jon-Marc Seimon
Pound Ridge, New York
I grew up in Durban, South Africa, a surfing town. Rell Sunn was a name I grew up with - thanks to the monthly communique called Surfer Magazine (which always called her "Rella"). Only now, after viewing this documentary, do I understand how deep her beauty truly was. It's twenty-five years later, I live in New York, my stepdaughter Emma has been battling cancer (and appears to be winning), and Rell Sunn speaks to me with a clarity and purity which cuts through all the mundane dross of my routine existence, and reminds me of what is truly important - and possible - in this life. To the people who made this film, my deepest thanks.
5/7/03
Janine Rofe'
Charleston,SC
Rell Sunn's brilliance was not only that she could catch a wave, she caught life, and she caught the hearts of all who knew her. In her death, she caught me. I am just a women on the other side of the earth who never surfed,just wondering about life and its worth.First, I was captured by her smile, then by her life. She answered my eternal question, in what seemed like a second.Her brilliance was in the art of living.
5/7/03
vivian cameron
I think that Rell Sunn will be remembered for her surfing, for her struggle with breast cancer, for her work with children and surfing, and for what appeared in the film--her indomitable spirit, her love for life and the sea, her honesty, her courage, and her generosity. I think her respect for the ocean and its life, which is essential to Hawaiian culture, was integral to her talents as both diver and surfer. No, I didn't know Rell Sunn, but we were in Hawaii the day she died and felt diminished by the loss of this beautiful spirit.
5/7/03
how did Rell Sunn get started on sharing the way to examin your breast-- was that through a grant? I have breast cancer and would like to be out of myself and share with others on how to check each month for a continues healthy breast. Rell will never be forgotten - she will be remembered for being a gift from God- how fortunate and favored you are that knew her- for all i have is that wonderfull film -thank you Rell & all of you for being so brave in sharing a complete story of a complete women.. I lived on Hickem air force base Graduated from Radfod High school 1967- always have wanted to come back --some day
5/7/03
Rell & her fellow pioneers showed the world that women are just as capable in taking up sports and performing with excellence.
I think Rell will be remembered for her love and encouragement to all of the children, as well as her courage in dealing with cancer. Rell's connection to her Hawaiian culture had everything to do with her talents as a waterwoman ... the respect for the sea and land, life from the sea, healing from the sea, belief in the stories told in hula, and belief in the spiritual aspects handed down in Hawaiian culture.
This is the second time that I've seen this show. It is very powerful!! Please continue to show it!
5/7/03
Rock on Rell!!!!
5/7/03
megan miller
tulsa ok
ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING!WHAT A TOUCHING STORY AND INCREDIBLY BRAVE WOMAN!WHAT AN EXAMPLE FOR US ALL.
5/7/03
Barbara Brookwell
I just watched the show and I cannot stop crying.It makes me feel I need to go out into the world and make a differance.What a powerful woman.With such amazing strength/She was an inspiration to ALL woman.I pray I can be a strong woman as she was.In all aspects of life.Thank-you for sharing a wonderful show with the world.God Bless you,Barbara Brookwell
5/7/03
Trudy Ali
Metairie,La
I was totally moved by the life story of Rell Sunn. I did not know anything about her before seeing the show, but I was greatly affected by it. She was truly a special person. I think Rell paved the way for women surfers by being a remarkable rolemodel. I think she will be remembered as a courageous and free spirited women. Someone I would loved to have known. I feel Rell truly embodied the Hawaiian culture and shared it with everyone she met.I would like to know when she died and if there are any books out about her. Also, I would like to send God's Blessings to her daughter and family. Rell's life story really touched my heart. I was able to visit Hawaii last year. I hope to return one day and would love to go where Rell lived. I know she is with God in Heaven surfing away. May she rest in peace.
5/7/03
David Langan
New York, NY
Many surfers know about the untimely, tragic passing of Rell Sunn, Queen of Makaha, but few know of her lifelong passion for our planet, for our most precious resource, the children she loved so much.
I, like the vast majority of surfers, never knew or even met Rell Sunn. But Rell Sunn's life, kind deeds, and Aloha spirit, chronicled in various surf publications over the years, are legendary, and have always been an inspiration to me.
Her life is more than just a beacon of hope and caring. It is a perennial, selfless ideal which we all, surfers and non-surfers alike, should hope to embody, not just for our individual benefit, but for for the benefit of of every one and everything around us.
Her passing was a great loss to the Hawaiian surfing community, but an even greater loss to the world at large. Her heritage and culture only made greater what was already an innate, deep sense of humanity, caring and kindness. Her LIFE's story is uncommonly uplifting and a lesson in empathy and involv
ement and perserverance. It is only right and significant to mark and to mourn the tragic loss of her unselfish soul-- but the tragedy will be far greater if we, the living, should forget the effusive spirit and universal benificence with which she graciously lived,
I believe she is one of the few among us who can honestly be called larger than life, and, refreshingly, for all the right reasons. So I'm happy to see her acknowledged and celebrated outside customary surf-media confines.
5/7/03
PAM PERSHING
I HAVE JUST HAD THE PLEASURE OF VIEWING "HEART OF THE SEA," AND IT WAS SO MOVING THAT I HAD TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS ABOUT RELL SUNN. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF HER BEFORE, AND WHILE I WAS SURFING THE CHANNELS, I CAME UPON THIS SHOW. BECAUSE MY LOVE OF HAWAII IS SO STRONG, I DECIDED TO WATCH AND SEE WHAT IT WAS ALL ABOUT. RELL SUNN IS ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING WOMEN I HAVE EVER SEEN. A WOMAN WITH SO MUCH COURAGE AND LOVE THAT HER BEAUTY WAS NOT ONLY SUPERFICIAL, IT RADIATED THROUGH THE SCREEN AND INTO MY HEART. I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MUCH HER STORY MEANT TO ME. SHE WAS SO GENTLE AND LOVING AND YET SHE WAS A WARRIOR. WE ARE ALL GUILTY OF TAKING LIFE FOR GRANTED, BUT RELL NOT ONLY LIVED EVERY MOMENT SHE SHARED HER LIFE, HER LOVE AND HER OCEAN WITH EVERYONE SHE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH. HER COURAGE DURING HER ORDEAL WAS ABSOLUTELY REMARKABLE. HOW MANY OF US COULD ENDURE SUCH PAIN WITH SO MUCH DIGNITY, FAITH AND COURAGE? GOD SENDS US SPECIAL GIFTS DURING OUR LIFE TIME AND I BELIEVE RELL SUNN WAS ONE OF
GOD'S MOST PRECIOUS
IFTS. I FEEL SO LUCKY TO HAVE HAD THE GOOD SENSE TO WATCH HER STORY AND TO BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING AND LOVELY WOMEN I HAVE EVER KNOWN. TEARS FILLED MY EYES AS I REALIZED THAT SHE HAD LOST HER BATTLE WITH CANCER, BUT MY SPIRIT SOARS NOW THAT I HAVE WITNESSED A TRUE GIFT FROM GOD, RELL SUNN.
5/7/03
Marie
Ward, SD
Rell Sunn was and still is the role model for so many women as well as men, both surfers and non. She was so full of life, strength, courage and wisdom. In fact she had so much, it just naturally rubbed off on others, making them better humans - making them want to succeed in everything that they do and to love and cherish life. It made women want to follow her lead and pursue their dreams. Who could ask for a better role model?
Rell Sunn will be remembered for her love of life, her love of Hawaii, and especially for her love of the ocean. She truly had a HEART OF THE SEA.
Rell Sunn was Hawaii and Hawaii was REll. Being Hawaiian, one naturally has a love for the ocean, but Rell's was much deeper. The sea never left her heart, it was with her when she was surfing,when she was diving, when she was living and when she was dying. She fought like the mighty ocean waves until her heart finally succombed to the sea, but where else would Rell rather be?
5/7/03
DAVID H. KANESHIRO (BUNYIP)
HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA
YOU COULD SEE IT IN HER SMILE. SPIRIT. THERE WAS A GLOW AROUND HER. I FELT SAFE WHEN I SAW HER. NOT THAT I WAS IN ANY DANGER..IS WAS A COMFORTING FEELING. KINDNESS MIXED WITH LAUGHTER. PURE. LIKE YOUR FIRST CHILD. RELL WAS DIFFERENT. YES, SHE WAS CONNECTED TO HAWAII...BUT SHE BELONGED TO THE UNIVERSE. IT WAS NEVER "HAWAII IS GOOD AND THE REST OF THE WORLD SUCKS"...SHE TAUGHT LOVE FOR ALL...YUP..A TRUE HAWAIIAN WITH TRUE ALOHA SPIRIT. I MISS HER................THANKYOU FOR MAKING THIS FILM..THANKYOU FROM DEEP INSIDE ME. THIS FILM, LIKE RELL, WILL COMFORT ME AND WILL BE A BLESSING FOR MY LITTLE "KAMEHANAOKALA" (THE WARMTH OF THE SUNN"/MY DAUGHTER). LOVE/DAVE
3/13/03
Duke
Scotts Valley, CA
Unfortunately, words can't possibly begin to describe what a gift from God Rell Sunn was to the people of Hawai'i and around the world! However "Heart of the Sea" does an amazing job of capturing how Rell lived her life and the effect she had on just about everyone that she made contact with. This is a must see documentary for everyone!!!!!
Aloha Auntie Rell!!!
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