“Through the Doggy Door,” which was named the winner of the Audience Award Documentary at the Hawai’i International Film Festival in 2022, is screening at Wai Kai this week.
The film will be shown on Thursday, April 16, at 8 p.m. at The LookOut Food & Drink, which is the restaurant and bar above Wai Kai’s wave pool. Reservations are recommended.
During the evening, Paishon will showcase his talent on the venue’s wave as part of the 7 p.m. Wai Kai Surf Show.
The documentary explores the humble beginnings of professional surfer Sheldon Paishon, who was born and raised in West Oʻahu, and how he navigated homelessness to pursue the sport with the mentorship of professional surfer Mason Ho.
“It means the world to me that I get to share my life story with the world in hopes that it touches the next generation — showing them that anything is possible if you put your heart into it, never give up and dream big,” said Paishon in a written statement to Aloha State Daily. “I was inspired to show the local side of living in Hawaiʻi; not everyone understands or has the chance to see this perspective of reality of what is known as paradise. They immediately relate it to sunshine, rainbows and crystal-clear water and overlook the day-to-day struggle that real Hawaiians go through.”
The documentary was one of several films selected by HIFF’s educational screening program, which allows teachers to request a screening of the film for their classroom. The film has already been featured at Nānākuli High & Intermediate School, according to the film’s website.
“It means a lot to have the opportunity to showcase my film on the big screen at Wai Kai. I am stoked to share my story at a place where community, culture and the waterman way of life all come together," Paishon stated. "Wai Kai is a great place for the youth to start their surfing journey in a controlled and safe environment. ... [It] can be a positive outlet and keep kids out of trouble, especially when the waves are flat in the ocean.”
Watch “Through the Doggy Door” on Amazon Prime, YouTube and Google Play.
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Katie Helland can be reached at katie@alohastatedaily.com.
