Introduce Yourself: Don King, director of Water Man.

How did you become interested in filmmaking?

DK: The ocean was my first inspiration. In the beginning I was just interested in the visual aspects of making beautiful shots, and evolved to the challenge of telling a story.

Tell us about your inspiration and vision for the film: DK: This film follows a group of iconic surfers on a boat trip through remote islands of Indonesia. Boat trips have been done before, but what was unique was not the trip, but the surfers themselves. Their relationship with surfing and the ocean has evolved to a spiritual level, and it was that relationship I hoped we could convey in this film.

What were some of the biggest challenges in making and completing the film? DK: It’s always hard to shoot in the ocean. Being in the right place at the right time for perfect big waves is always a challenge. Then there are all the technical difficulties. We had an incredible film crew, each cameraman with years of experience. It was an honor to be a part of making this film.

In the spirit of Jackson, what's your favorite Western? DK: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

Introduce Yourself: Jeff Hornbaker, Director.

This film was not my vision, moreover the insight of of Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama to record and document a time of their lives as things evolve and transcend. In this case it is living a life in symbiosis with the ocean. People can look back and recall the special moments that make up a life, but in real time documentation of these experiences,these humans these opportunities to see life as a gift and show others just what a beautiful gift it is, especially when you surrender everything you are to living in the flow of nature it is truly inspiring within itself. I simply tried to contribute with images that showed the magic that is present when you gather people in a group as special and dedicated as this.

I am a visual man. As I watch things unfold all the stories and worlds come together in a million different realities, myths and ledgends...simultaneously. The hardest thing I believe for anyone to do ,is to take the experience and tell an eloquent story equal to the event that took place both in sound and vision. We all had our imputs as to what themes ,ideas and images should hold precedent , but I fell at this point another usually arises to help bring everything together into a living thing. Jane Kachmer in this case nurtured and fed WATERMAN long after the colorful images and entities moved on to other experiences. I cannot speak for Don or Sonny ,but as for me, alot of the challenges were taken on by Janie, and this question would be better answered by her. We all look for someone like her keep the fire and faith going well beyond and making a film is always going well beyond all the faith and fire you think you have.

Introduce Yourself: Dave Kalama, Water Man.

What and/or who inspired you to become a WATER MAN?

My father and my grandfather and my step-father, Randy.

What was it like going on this journey together? Best surf trip I’ve ever been on. Hands down no comparison to anything else.

You are always pushing the envelope trying new water sports. How did you develop some of these new and exciting sports? A lot of the things that I helped to develop are by keeping an open mind and not putting any limits on your perspective of what’s possible.

Do you have a favorite movie hero? Clint Eastwood in his character “The Man With No Name.”

Introduce Yourself: Laird Hamilton, Waterman.

What or who inspired you to become a WATER MAN? Hawaii and all the men that I was exposed to when I was young. Hawaii, which is home to the Polynesians, has a culture of some of greatest water men on earth. All of the people I looked up to were all water men. They were all surfers and swimmers and divers.

What was it like going on this journey together? It was a great opportunity to spend a couple weeks with people who I admire and respect and who I really enjoy sharing with.

You are always pushing the envelope trying new water sports. How did you develop some of these new and exciting sports? Boredom but also the desire to create new ways of enjoying the ocean and retaining my enthusiasm about being in the water.