Dr. Cliff Kapono is a Native Hawaiian surfer and molecular bioscientist who brings together his passion for surfing and science to protect the ocean. In this episode of Let It Kill You—an ongoing series from Vice—director Ben McQueen travels to Hilo to meet Cliff and get a closer look at what drives him. Through stories and insight from some of the biggest names in surfing and skateboarding, we dive into Cliff’s world—where culture, curiosity, and a deep love for the ocean all come together. The film offers an intimate and dynamic look at someone who's carving his own path, both in the water and in the lab.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Directed By: Ben McQueen

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COMING SOON.

“Let Me Chase This Dream”

The premiere of LET ME CHASE THIS DREAM features cold water surf photographer Bryanna Bradley, and her story of recovering from a TBI and walking the Continental Divide Trail from the US/Mexico Border all the way to Canada. It’s been an incredibly inspiring journey documenting Bryanna’s story. Her resilience to overcome challenges is one thing we admire about her, but her honest way of saying when she is afraid of something, yet still pursuing it is what makes everyone around her believe they can achieve anything.

“First In, Last Out”

Christa Funk started her career in the Coast Guard, tentative to risk her future on her true passion: photography. After the tragic passing of her father, his final wish to her was to take a leap of faith and go for it. Since then, she’s risen to the top of her field, becoming one of the most respected photographers in surf history. Willing to risk it all in the most treacherous surf conditions, Christa is notorious for being the first in the water before sunrise and the last out after sunset. Her love of surf and photography is what keeps her grounded and allows her to capture some of the most famous moments in surf history.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Séréna Lutton from Warm Collective |  Moderator 

Christa Funk Photographer & Star of “First In, Last Out”

Andrew Schoneberger Co-Director of “First In, Last Out”

Bryanna Bradley Photographer & Star of “Let Me Chase This Dream”

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An adventurous teenager sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui, who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder. Together they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.

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Coral Reef Adventure follows the real-life expedition of two filmmakers, Howard and Michele Hall, on a daring 10-month journey to document some of the world’s most beautiful and endangered coral reefs. On their journey from Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to the majestic islands of Fiji and Tahiti and the mysterious Rangiroa atoll, the Halls meet with scientists and naturalists such as famed ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau and deep reef ichthyologist Richard Pyle who are part of a growing global effort to better understand these fragile ecosystems. To capture the film’s stunning cinematography, the MFF film crew logged 2,421 dives and 2,910 hours of underwater time and shot 106 miles of film—the most ever for an IMAX documentary. They also set a record for the world’s deepest dive with an IMAX camera in open ocean at 370 feet.

Narrated by Liam Neeson and featuring songs and music by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Directed By: Greg MacGillivray

Produced By: Greg MacGillivray, Alec Lorimore, Howard Hall

Original Score By: Steve Wood

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Art and Life tells the story of legendary artist Jim Phillips, whose iconic designs helped shape the visual language of surf, skate, and counterculture movements for over five decades. From his early days in Santa Cruz to global recognition, Jim’s bold, energetic style became synonymous with a generation of rebellion and creativity. Through interviews, archival footage, and original artwork, the film paints a raw and honest portrait of a man whose passion for art never faded.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Directed By: John Makens

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Butterfly in a Blizzard offers a deeply personal look into professional snowboarder Kimmy Fasani’s journey into motherhood, exploring how this new phase reshapes her past. Fasani and her family open all of the doors to capture her transformation from a globe-trotting winter sports icon to mom, while delving into the newly coined term matrescence. Experts in maternal health, with one calling it “the biggest story never told,” highlight this rarely explored time in a parent’s life. Throughout the film, Fasani faces repeated “blizzards” in her life, including identity shifts, childhood trauma, relationship struggles, and a breast cancer diagnosis. Over five years, raw and intimate footage reveals Fasani’s evolution as she navigates these storms. Join the ride as she works to maintain her place in snowboarding while striving to become the mother she aspires to be, shedding light on the complex balance of passion, career, and parenthood.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Directed By: Rose Corr, Tyler Hamlet

Produced By: Tyler Hamlet, Kimmy Fasani

Executive Producers: Kimmy Fasani, Chris Benchetler, Bia-Echo Foundation, Nicole Shanahan

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In this quietly powerful documentary, filmmaker Lizzie MacKenzie turns her lens toward Ken Smith, an 80-year-old who has spent over 40 years living off the grid by the remote shores of Loch Treig in the Scottish Highlands. With warmth and humor, Ken shares stories from his unconventional life, and what unfolds is a heartfelt portrait of solitude, resilience, and the deep connection between subject and storyteller.

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