A feature-length motion picture about surfer Rell Sunn is being readied to begin shooting here next spring, with Isle-born actress Tia Carrere starring and helping produce the film.

The $10 million movie will be directed by Martha Coolidge and focus on the life of Sunn, a much beloved figure who died of breast cancer in 1998. Plans call for casting some of the roles here for about a month-long shoot.

Carrere yesterday said she and her husband, Simon Wakelin, have spent years researching and writing the script for the Sunn movie, "Wave Dancer."

"I believe that Rell Sunn is the kind of hero that we need to see in film today," said Carrere.

"Here's a woman who was not a wealthy woman, she was a single mother, she was sick, struck with breast cancer, yet she lived a far greater life than 99 percent of us."

There has been talk of movies and books about Sunn since she died at age 47 after a 14-year battle with cancer. Many people have been attracted to Sunn's storied life, which includes professional surfing, and being a youth mentor, expert diver, disc jockey and creator of the Menehune Surf Meet for children.

Sunn's graceful surf style also translated to her land-based activities, where she was known for generosity and wit. She worked as a physical therapist for senior citizens at a Wai'anae care home and was a counselor at the Waianae Cancer Research Center.

Carrere said Sunn was a hero to her and throughout her life people had remarked that she bore a resemblance to the surfer.

She said she has bypassed other work to take on the Sunn project.

"I just felt this would be a great story to tell."

Donne Dawson, head of the state film office, said Carrere has kept her informed of developments in her pursuit of the film over several years. Dawson said it's important that the story be told as authentically as possible, something Carrere has pledged to do.

"Her life story is an incredible story and I'm thrilled that it's going to be able to be brought to the screen," Dawson said. "At the end of the day this is a story about a truly amazing woman who was a champion surfer and really paved the way for people who came after her."

Carrere said Coolidge, whose credits include "Valley Girl," "Real Genius" and "Rambling Rose," has a great love for Hawai'i and had tried to work before on a movie about women surfers here.

"She just totally got it," Carrere said of her first meeting with Coolidge.

Funding for the project, focusing on Sunn's struggle with cancer and her relationship with daughter Jan, is still being obtained. A production office here has yet to open.

Marc Marcum of Branded Pictures Entertainment will serve as executive producer with his partner in Branded, J. Todd Harris, a producer who has worked on more than 30 credits.

Marcum said he signed on to the project after being impressed by Carrere's passion for Sunn's story.

A portion of the film's proceeds will go to the Rell Sunn Education Fund.

"I think that Tia is the only person who can play Rell," Marcum said. "She's the perfect actress for this role."

As for Coolidge, "she was really touched by Rell's story," Marcum said. "As a female director she brings a very strong feminine aspect to it."

Harris, who was recently at the Maui Film Festival with his film "Bottle Shock," said the Sunn movie should appeal to a number of different audiences, including surfers, single mothers, people who love the ocean and Hawai'i, and people with breast cancer.

"There's a lot to chew on here," Harris said. "It's a personal triumph story even though it ends sadly."

Walea L. Constantinau, the film commissioner for Honolulu, agreed.

"It doesn't surprise me at all that this is coming to the fore."