Inside Lens S2015E06 - Girl Under the Sea

The Ama are women free divers who collect shellfish from the ocean bed. They dive without tanks, holding their breath for long periods of time. This method of sustainable fishing has been a fiercely guarded tradition among coastal communities for centuries. But in a modern and fast aging society, youth are leaving their hometowns in search of better education and livelihoods. The film follows three generations of Ama in one family, exposes the challenges of the trade, and highlights the sacrifices one young woman is making in her effort to keep the tradition alive.