How to Watch The Last of the Sea Women Documentary – Streaming Guide

The Last of the Sea Women is a powerful 2024 documentary directed by Sue Kim that shines a light on the haenyeo—a community of elderly women divers from Jeju Island, South Korea, who have been harvesting seafood from the ocean floor for centuries. These divers, often referred to as "real-life mermaids," are known for their ability to free-dive without oxygen, plunging deep into the waters to gather seafood for their families and communities. However, the tradition is now facing extinction due to a myriad of environmental and societal challenges, as the film poignantly explores.

A Vanishing Tradition

At the heart of The Last of the Sea Women is the rich history of the haenyeo, a group of women who broke from traditional gender roles in a largely patriarchal society to become the breadwinners of their families. For generations, these women have been known for their strength, bravery, and community spirit, earning high respect for their unique way of life. As they dive deep into the ocean—holding their breath for up to two minutes at a time—the haenyeo gather shellfish, octopuses, and other marine life to sustain their island's economy.

However, today’s haenyeo are aging, with most in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. As younger generations are less inclined to take up the dangerous profession, the future of the haenyeo is in jeopardy. The documentary captures this generational gap, contrasting the elderly women who continue their work with younger haenyeo who document their experiences on TikTok, bringing awareness to their endangered lifestyle in modern times.

Environmental Crisis

More than just a celebration of the haenyeo's resilience, The Last of the Sea Women serves as a stirring call to action against the environmental threats facing these women and their oceans. Pollution, climate change, and the release of toxic waters from the Fukushima nuclear accident into their fishing grounds have drastically affected marine life, putting the haenyeo’s livelihood at risk. The waters they have relied on for centuries are no longer as fertile, and marine life is becoming scarce due to warming temperatures and rising sea levels.

This grim reality is not lost on the haenyeo, who in their advanced age, find themselves taking up a new battle—fighting for the survival of the oceans. The film follows their determined efforts to organize politically, sounding the alarm on a global stage. One of the film's emotional high points comes when an elderly haenyeo testifies before the United Nations in Geneva, in a last-ditch effort to draw attention to the environmental destruction endangering their way of life.

A New Generation and Social Media

While The Last of the Sea Women focuses on the elder haenyeo, it also highlights the role that younger women are playing in preserving this tradition. These women are using social media platforms like TikTok to spread awareness of the haenyeo’s plight, blending the old with the new in an attempt to keep their heritage alive in the digital age. The film deftly portrays the tension between holding onto the past and embracing the future, while emphasizing the importance of cross-generational efforts to preserve culture and the environment.

A Global Story with Powerful Allies

The haenyeo’s story has captured global attention, with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai joining the project as an executive producer. Yousafzai’s involvement adds significant weight to the film, amplifying its message about female empowerment, environmentalism, and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The documentary is not just a local story about the women of Jeju—it is a universal tale of human resilience and the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

Sue Kim's Vision

Director Sue Kim, who previously made waves with her documentary The Speed Cubers, brings a deeply personal and evocative touch to The Last of the Sea Women. As a Korean-American filmmaker, Kim skillfully bridges cultural and generational divides, inviting audiences into the intimate world of the haenyeo and their tight-knit community. Her compassionate lens captures not just the struggles of these women but also their camaraderie, humor, and relentless drive to protect their oceans and their way of life.

Critical Reception

The Last of the Sea Women premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious NETPAC Prize, awarded to the best Asian film. Critics have praised the documentary for its poignant storytelling, stunning underwater cinematography, and its urgent environmental message. The film strikes a delicate balance between honoring a disappearing tradition and calling for global action to address the environmental crises facing our oceans.

Conclusion

The Last of the Sea Women is more than just a documentary—it is a moving tribute to the strength of the haenyeo and a clarion call for the preservation of the environment. Through Sue Kim’s insightful direction and the passionate voices of the haenyeo, the film inspires viewers to reflect on the importance of tradition, the impact of environmental change, and the power of collective action. The documentary serves as a reminder that as we move forward, we must do so with an understanding and respect for the past, and with a firm commitment to protecting our planet’s future.

1. What is "The Last of the Sea Women" about?

"The Last of the Sea Women" is a 2024 documentary directed by Sue Kim, focusing on the haenyeo, a declining community of women on Jeju Island, South Korea, who dive into the ocean to harvest seafood. It explores their traditions, the environmental threats they face, and their efforts to preserve their way of life.

2. Who are the haenyeo?

The haenyeo are a group of South Korean fisherwomen, predominantly elderly, who have been diving without oxygen tanks for centuries to collect seafood for their communities. They are celebrated for their courage and unique free-diving skills.

3. What challenges are the haenyeo facing today?

The haenyeo community is in danger due to aging members, ocean pollution, climate change, and water contamination caused by incidents like the Fukushima nuclear accident. These factors threaten their livelihood and their environment.

4. How does the documentary address environmental concerns?

The film highlights the negative impact of sea garbage, toxic waste, global warming, and nuclear contamination on the haenyeo’s ability to safely dive and harvest seafood. It also shows their political activism as they fight for ocean preservation.

5. Who is the director of "The Last of the Sea Women"?

The film is directed by Sue Kim, a Korean-American filmmaker known for her documentary The Speed Cubers. She brings an intimate perspective on the haenyeo's struggle for survival.

6. Is Malala Yousafzai involved in the film?

Yes, Malala Yousafzai, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, is an executive producer of the documentary. She supports the haenyeo’s cause and helped bring attention to their battle for environmental justice.

7. Where did the film premiere?

The Last of the Sea Women premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the prestigious NETPAC Prize for its portrayal of the haenyeo’s story.

8. What role does TikTok play in the documentary?

The documentary features younger haenyeo who use TikTok to document their dives and bring attention to their endangered way of life. Social media helps bridge the generational gap and revives interest in the haenyeo tradition.

9. Is "The Last of the Sea Women" available for streaming?

Yes, the film will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ following its theatrical release.

10. How long is the documentary?

The running time for The Last of the Sea Women is approximately 87 minutes.