Malala Yousafzai’s The Last of the Sea Women: Trailer, Release date, plot, & more About the Jeju Island Divers doc

The trailer for The Last of the Sea Women has officially been released, offering a first glimpse into the breathtaking world of South Korea’s haenyeo divers. Produced by Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai and directed by Sue Kim, this highly-anticipated documentary delves into the lives of older women who have fearlessly harvested seafood from the ocean floor without oxygen for centuries. Now, as they face imminent threats to their way of life, the documentary captures their fight to preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Celebrated for their resilience, independence, and oceanic expertise, these "real-life mermaids" are the heart of a powerful story that explores not only their endangered tradition but also the urgent need for ocean conservation. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and has already created a buzz. 

This article will explore everything we know about The Last of the Sea Women, from the rich history of the haenyeo to the film’s unique production team. Stay tuned as we reveal new updates and behind-the-scenes details, as well as where you’ll be able to watch this gripping documentary. We’ll keep you updated as more information surfaces—so keep reading!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Last of the Sea Women is set to debut on Apple TV+ on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. You can watch the documentary on Apple TV Plus with a 7-day free trial. Before its streaming release, the documentary will make its mark at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), premiering as part of the Docs Program on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024. 

You can stream various Apple originals, such as Women in Blue, Time Bandits, Frog and Toad season 2, Trying season 4, Hollywood Con Queen, and more. 

Plot

In The Last of the Sea Women, a group of resilient grandmother warriors from South Korea's Jeju Island take on oceanic threats in a bid to preserve their ancestral way of life. Known as haenyeo, these divers—often called real-life mermaids—have been free-diving to the ocean floor without oxygen for centuries, harvesting seafood to support their families. 

Now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions are at risk of disappearing. Despite this, these fearless and hardworking women, with the help of a younger generation using social media to spread awareness, refuse to let their way of life fade away.

The documentary, directed by Peabody Award nominee Sue Kim, captures the deep connections, independence, and empowerment of the haenyeo as they work together to protect their ocean and cultural heritage. Focusing on both older and younger haenyeo, the film provides an intimate look at a community striving to survive, fighting to preserve a unique tradition in the face of global change.

Premiering at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, The Last of the Sea Women showcases the strength of these women. TIFF documentary programmer Thom Powers remarked that the film captures a critical moment as this ancient practice faces an uncertain future. The documentary promises an inspiring tale of friendship, resilience, and determination.

Official Trailer

Behind the Scenes

The Last of the Sea Women is a co-production between Malala Yousafzai’s company, Extracurricular Productions, and A24, in partnership with Apple TV+. The documentary is directed by Sue Kim. Yousafzai, a renowned women's rights activist and Nobel laureate, is producing the film alongside Erika Kennair, president of productions at Extracurricular, with A24's executive team also involved.

Yousafzai has been growing her presence in Hollywood. She previously contributed to the Oscar-shortlisted documentary Stranger at the Gate and made her acting debut in We Are Lady Parts. With The Last of the Sea Women, she continues her efforts to amplify important stories through film. 

Sue Kim, known for directing Netflix's Speed Cubers, brings her expertise to this impactful project, which promises to illuminate a resilient yet vulnerable community.