Imagine being told that mermaids actually exist.
Not the mythical creatures with fish tails, but real women who can hold their breath for minutes on end as they dive under the sea hundreds of times a day.
These women are the haenyeo divers of South Korea, a community of fearless female divers from Jeju Island who have been free-diving (without oxygen) for centuries to harvest seafood.
However, with most of them now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, their traditions and way of life are at risk as younger generations are less inclined to take up the profession, and with the changing ocean presenting new challenges.
These circumstances inspired US-Korean filmmaker Sue Kim to collaborate with female education advocate and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafazai to share the haenyeo’s story with the world.
Kim, the daughter of Korean immigrants, first encountered the haenyeo as a child during holidays in South Korea and was captivated by their boldness and vibrancy.
Malala, a producer on the film, was shocked that she was unaware of the haenyeo and immediately agreed to be part of the project.
The film documents the haenyeo’s daily routine during the harvest season, showcasing the challenges they face both in and out of the water.
Despite the physical demands of their work, the haenyeo see themselves as strong and empowered rather than pitiable for working into old age.
With the threat of extinction looming over the haenyeo community, the film emphasizes the importance of documenting their story while they are still able to tell it themselves.
While the women face external threats such as global warming and pollution, the dwindling numbers of younger women choosing to become haenyeos pose an internal challenge to the survival of the culture.
Despite efforts to attract and train new divers, only a small percentage continue on to become haenyeos.
However, the film introduces two young women from another island who see the potential benefits of the profession, including flexible hours that can accommodate family life.
Uno de ellos tuvo que aprender a nadar a la edad de 30 años para hacer el trabajo.
Las mujeres mayores se reúnen con ellos para festivales y protestas – las llaman “sus bebés” mientras que ellos las llaman “tías” a cambio.
Yousafzai está inspirada: “Cuando veo a las haenyeo y cómo trabajan juntas, me recuerda al trabajo colectivo que las mujeres están haciendo en todas partes, incluyendo la defensa que las mujeres afganas están haciendo para crear conciencia sobre la opresión sistemática que están enfrentando.”
“Cuando una niña ve este documental, quiero que crea en sí misma y se dé cuenta de que puede hacer cualquier cosa. Puede quedarse bajo el agua durante dos o tres minutos sin oxígeno”, dice. “¡Y por supuesto todavía tengo que tomar algunas clases de natación para aprender a nadar! Estoy en el punto cero, pero me ha inspirado a considerar la natación.”
Las Últimas Mujeres del Mar está disponible en Apple TV+ desde el 11 de octubre de 2024.