Claim: Bethany Hamilton's biopic was directed by Sean McNamara.
Evidence: She wrote about her experience in the 2004 autobiography Soul Surfer : A True Story of Faith , Family , and Fighting to Get Back on the Board.
Soul Surfer is a 2011 American biographical drama film directed by Sean McNamara , based on the 2004 autobiography Soul Surfer : A True Story of Faith , Family , and Fighting to Get Back on the Board by Bethany Hamilton about her life as a surfer after a horrific shark attack and her recovery.