Soul Surfer - CLOSING NIGHT FILM

Running time: 106 mins

Culminating Cinequest?s discovery of Maverick visionaries, experience Soul Surfer and so much more.

Starring AnnaSophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Dennis Quaid (In Good Company) and Helen Hunt (As Good as It Gets), Soul Surfer tells the true, inspirational story of Bethany Hamilton. Post screening, surf icon Jeff Clark (Founder of Mavericks Surf Contest) will present Bethany Hamilton with Cinequest?s Life of a Maverick Award. Additionally, legendary filmmaker Bruce Brown (Endless Summer) will present AnnaSophia Robb with Cinequest?s Emerging Maverick Award.

Bethany Hamilton was born to surf. Growing up on the Kauai Coast, hers was a tranquil, surfer girl?s life?participating in national competitions and revealing her natural talent on the waves. On Halloween morning 2003, her dreams seemed to splinter when Bethany, on a typical ocean outing, was attacked by a shark and lost her arm.

Bravely determined, Bethany fights to recover, supported by the love of her parents (Quaid and Hunt). And while on a trip to Thailand with her youth-group leader (Carrie Underwood) after the devastating tsunami, Bethany sees her greater purpose to help change the lives of others. With her resolve stronger than ever, she returns home to conquer, not only her own challenges, but also to help others do the same.

Based on Hamilton?s book and featuring an all-star cast, director Sean McNamara?s Soul Surfer beautifully captures the spirit and strength of a young woman?s determination to overcome personal loss. Instead, she reveals the strength to drive her towards a courageous comeback, giving her the opportunity to take her loss and transform the lives of others. ? Michael Rabehl

Film sponsored by HP.