Courtesy LDS Film Festival

One of the most interesting, but often overlooked, events in Utah County is the LDS Film Festival held March 2-5 at the SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem.

Festival owners and co-directors Marshall Moore and Michelle Moore announced Tuesday the award-winning documentary from Sidewinder Films, “Waterman,” will be the festival’s opening night feature film.

“Acclaimed filmmaker, Issac Halasima and the producing team of Steven Ungerleider, David Ulich, Michael Cascio, and Chet Thomas continue the tradition of delivering amazing films for audiences to enjoy,” said Michelle Moore.

The festival’s full schedule was released on Jan. 24. Additionally, the Moore’s announced Tuesday that at the conclusion of this year’s programming, the LDS Film Festival will become Zion Film Festival as part of the new vision going forward.

“Waterman” explores the life and influence of legendary Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku and his legacy as a swimmer, trailblazer and the undisputed father of modern-day surfing. Through Kahanamoku’s incredible athletic accomplishments, personal doctrine of “Aloha” and enduring gift to the world of surfing, the film explores themes that still resonates today.

Vianney Le Caer, Invision via AP

According to Michelle Moore the role of sports in breaking societal barriers is a focus of the film, along with celebrating Kahanamoku’s triumphs and philosophy of kuleana, which means responsibility and a deeper sense of relationship that incorporates the spirit of Aloha.

Waterman also features the A-list actor and native Hawaiian Jason Momoa, recently starring in “Dune” and “Aquaman,” as the film’s narrator.

“Jason has an incredible affinity, love and respect for Duke,” said Halasima. “He’s a waterman himself and brought that passion to this project.”

Having “Waterman” as the featured opening night film for the LDS Film Festival signals the new direction the Moores, and the recently assembled Board of Directors, plan for the festival. The 2022 festival will continue as the LDS Film Festival for the last time. More details about the show under its new moniker will be shared during the award show on March 5.

“This year’s LDS Film Festival will give just a taste of what’s in store for future festivals,” said Marshall Moore, co-owner and co-director of the Zion Film Festival. “We are confident longtime and first-time attendees of the festival will be surprised and delighted with this year’s programming and that it will set the stage for the Zion Film Festival to become one of the top international film festivals over the next decade.”

Celebrating 21 years of programming in 2022, the LDS Film Festival has promoted cinema as a means of conversation and perspective that often touches the heart and opens the mind. What began as a short film festival is now a major event showcasing an impressive array of feature films, documentaries, special screenings, short films, music videos and top-level panels. More information and tickets can be found at http://ldsfilmfest.com.