Filmed at Hawai‘i’s Hapuna Beach, one of the most beautiful and dangerous shorelines in the islands, Pick It Up, America: Life Is a Beach is a heartfelt call for stewardship, ocean safety, and respect. Through interviews with lifeguards, keiki, locals, and dive experts, this short documentary reminds us that caring for our oceans means more than picking up your trash it means picking up awareness, responsibility, and love for the ʻāina. A vital message for families, tourists, and communities everywhere.

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Review by Andie Kay:

The ocean brings so many things to mind. Surfing, boating, marine life, warm sandy beaches and having fun with family and friends. Some of us aren’t fortunate enough to grow up near the water, I was one of the lucky ones. Learning from a young age the ocean can be as dangerous as it is beautiful and being educated on how to take care of it.

Director and writer Kimber Leigh gives us a gorgeous, in depth look at Hawaii’s Hapuna Beach. This film is not only breathtaking, but it’s incredibly educational and informative. The wonderful interviews with locals talking about Hawaiian culture and what it means for everyone to respect the water and the shore. I loved how artfully the interviews were crafted and the valid points
each person made without sounding judgmental or preachy. Locals and tourists have to work together to understand just how important it is to preserve our oceans and beaches.

Visually this film was stunning and I adore the drone shots from Ray Schmidt, they were absolute perfection. Music fit this film incredibly well and I love how editor Roman Aquirre kept a balance between the interviews, underwater photography and sweeping landscapes.

Honestly this film is an incredible guide and resource for everyone to watch and remember how important our oceans are and the ways we can take care of them. Mahalo.