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Ocean's Embrace: Love, Loss, and Surfing's Soul
18 Sep
Summary
- Film adapts a graphic novel about friendship, love, and loss.
- It explores surfing's Hawaiian origins and water's spiritual depth.
- The story centers on a skater and a surfer battling cancer.
The film "In Waves" adapts AJ Dungo's graphic novel into a poignant debut feature by director Phuong Mai Nguyen. It tells the deeply personal story of AJ, a young skater, and Kristen, a surfer facing cancer. Their connection blossoms through a shared passion for the ocean.
The narrative delves into the Hawaiian origins of surfing, presenting water not just as a body of water but as a sacred, spiritual element. This connection offers AJ and Kristen profound joy and strength as they confront her illness.
Director Phuong Mai Nguyen expressed the intimacy of adapting AJ's true story, feeling entrusted with a personal narrative. Actors Will Sharpe and Stephanie Hsu also shared their experiences, highlighting the animated medium's ability to capture the characters' inner worlds and the challenge of inhabiting existing souls. The film had its first screening on Monday, September 14, at TIFF Lightbox.
