#FIRSTLOOK: “THE LAST OF THE SEAWOMEN” TO PREMIERE AT TIFF ’24

In “The Last of the Sea Women,” an extraordinary band of feisty grandmother warriors wages a spirited battle against vast oceanic threats. Often called real-life mermaids, the haenyeo divers of South Korea’s Jeju Island are renowned for centuries of diving to the ocean floor—without oxygen —to harvest seafood for their livelihood. Today, with most haenyeo now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are in imminent danger. But these fierce, funny, hardworking women refuse to give an inch, aided by a younger generation’s fight to revive their ancestral lifestyle through social media. Peering into what drives haenyeo young and old, this moving documentary zeroes in on their tight-knit friendships, savvy independence, and infectious sense of empowerment, unfolding into an uplifting tale of women taking on world powers to protect their beloved ocean and inspiring a new generation.

“The Last of the Sea Women” is directed and produced by Sue Kim. The film is produced by Malala Yousafzai through her production company Extracurricular along with Erika Kennair. Nicole Stott, Emily Osborne, Harry Go and Marissa Torres Ericson serve as executive producers through A24.

“The Last of the Sea Women” will premiere as an official selection of the TIFF Docs Programme ahead of its global debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, October 11, 2024.

Director: Sue Kim

Producers: Sue Kim, Malala Yousafzai, Erika Kennair

Exec. Producers: Nicole Stott, Emily Osborne, Harry Go, Marissa Torres Ericson