Korea's Haenyeo: Celebrating Female Divers Amid Environmental Threats
- The documentary features the haenyeo, women divers from Jeju Island, who have been harvesting seafood without oxygen for generations.
- Their population has significantly decreased from 30,000 in the 1960s to around 4,000 today, with most divers being elderly.
- The film aims to celebrate their cultural significance while addressing the environmental challenges they face.
In South Korea, Sue Kim's documentary showcases the haenyeo, female divers from Jeju Island, who have been harvesting seafood without oxygen for generations. The film highlights the beauty of their underwater work and the cultural significance of these women, who have historically been the primary wage earners in their families due to economic pressures. However, the number of haenyeo has drastically declined from 30,000 in the 1960s to around 4,000 today, with most being elderly. Younger generations are increasingly turning away from this demanding profession, which poses a threat to the continuation of this unique cultural practice. The documentary, produced by A24 and Malala Yousafzai's Extracurricular, aims to celebrate the joy and resilience of these women while addressing the environmental challenges they face, such as pollution and climate change. The film is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 11, following its showcase at the Busan International Film Festival.