Cinema by the Surf presents "Soul Surfer" July 19

The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and the City of Rehoboth Beach open the seventh year of Cinema by the Surf, a series of free family movies, with a screening of the inspiring story of “Soul Surfer” Thursday, July 19, starting at dusk at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.

Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) was born to surf. A natural talent who took to the waves at a young age, she was leading an idyllic life on Kauai, participating in national surf competitions with her best friend Alana (Lorraine Nicholson), when everything changed.

One Halloween morning, a 14-foot tiger shark came out of nowhere and seemed to shatter the 13-year-old’s dreams. “Soul Surfer” reveals Bethany's fight to recover from her ordeal and how she grappled with the question of her future.

Strengthened by the love of her parents, Tom (Dennis Quaid) and Cheri (Helen Hunt), and supported by her youth group leader Sara (Carrie Underwood), Bethany is boldly determined to return to the water.

This action-filled drama won a MovieGuide Award in 2011 for Best Film for Families. The New York Times calls it “a portrait of a spirited, resilient athlete” that “dazzles in its surfing sequences.”

This event is free to the public. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, go to rehobothfilm.com or rehobothbandstand.com.

For more information on this series, other events, or to become a member, go to rehobothfilm.com or call 302-645-9095.