93 – Letters from Marge

An interview with Heather Hudson by Glenn Sakamoto

California filmmaker Heather Hudson’s latest film, 93 – Letters from Marge, explores the life and times of pioneering surfer Marge Calhoun through correspondence between Hudson and her in letters and conversations. We spoke with Heather to learn more.

What inspired you to make a film about Marge Calhoun? 

It all started in 2009 when I sent her a thank you note and a DVD for allowing me to include her in my film, The Women and The Waves. Marge and I had exchanged letters during the last 8 years of her life. So when Marge passed away in September of 2017, I felt really sad. 

I hadn’t written to her in months and felt regret and wished I had reached out more that year. When I heard the sad news, I went to my file cabinet where I had saved all of Marge’s letters. I put them in a notebook and quietly re-read each one. I thought to myself, maybe there’s a film here.

Why is a film about Marge Calhoun so important to surfing culture?

It’s important to look back at history to know where we have been and to recognize those who’ve come before and paved the way for us – especially now. As a woman growing up surfing in the ‘70s I remember thinking of Marge as my role model. She went out there and charged. The fact is, women have always surfed. Though smaller in numbers through the decades, women have always been there sharing the line-up and progressing right alongside the men. The stories about these incredible women need to be told or they will be lost forever.  

What is the meaning of the number 93?

93 is the age that Marge was when she passed. She managed to keep a positive attitude as she aged while continuing to express appreciation of and gratitude for life until the end. The number represents to me that Marge lived a very long and full life. 

How is 93 – Letters from Marge different from your previous two films?

 93 was a big challenge for me. This film was different from what I was used to. My first two films were stories with people in many locations, intertwined with interviews, surfing and music. For 93, I did not have Marge in living form. I couldn’t sit down with her on camera for an interview. I couldn’t film her in action. All I had were her letters and a few images she’d sent me. In the very beginning, I wondered, what would be on the screen as her stories were told? 

What was it like working with Marge’s daughter, Robin Calhoun, on the project?

Awesome. In the beginning, my goal was to create a 5-minute tribute to Marge. But as time went by, the project was becoming more involved and I realized it would be appropriate to have Marge’s loved ones’ permission to do it. 

Eventually I was able to connect with Robin through friends who knew her personally. I am so grateful to now consider Robin a friend. She opened up her home and heart to me (not to mention the personal family photo albums full of previously unseen images). She told me that her mother would have loved me to create this 30-minute film – I so appreciate that.

What were some of the other challenges you encountered when filming and producing it?

It was challenging as I’d never created a film with a narration. In addition, natural disasters were happening during the time of making this film. It was only a week after my first day filming Malibu flashbacks in December of 2017, that the Thomas Fire raged across the California Mountains and burned for 2 weeks from Ojai to Santa Barbara. We couldn't film due to bad air quality. Weeks after that, the Thomas Flood ravaged Montecito. There would be no  more filming for the winter season due to poor water quality. 

Marge had such an amazing positive attitude and a gratitude for life. She is a positive female role model and a woman whose bright light never dimmed even as she ventured into old age.

I lead a busy life and do more than just make films. I plugged away at the film for 2 ½ years and I am happy that I finished it. At times I wondered if I ever could. And when the film was finally completed early this year, a pandemic hit the planet. What would Marge say? I’m betting that she would smile with the beautiful grin and probably say “life is a journey with ups and downs, just go with the flow and enjoy the ride.” That is what I plan to do.

What was the greatest thing you learned from Marge Calhoun?

We are never too old to enjoy the ocean. Even though her body didn’t work well in the last chapter of her life, she was able to receive so much joy from the ocean and from the memories of her life in and around the ocean. Marge had such an amazing positive attitude and a gratitude for life. She is a positive female role model and a woman whose bright light never dimmed even as she ventured into old age.

What has been the reaction to 93?

I gave my close friends a private screening while on a trip early in the year before the pandemic hit. As the film was playing, I was so nervous. When you work on something that takes up so much time and energy, at the end of the process, it can be difficult to know what you have. The reaction was really good – what a relief! I like to think that I make films for myself first and if others enjoy them, that’s just icing on the cake.

Marge’s daughter, Robin Calhoun has given her seal of approval. And it was a nice surprise that 93 won the “Audience Choice” Award at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival in July.

What are you hoping the audience takes away from 93?

That life is precious and beautiful. And the ocean and surfing can be a source of joy that can last a lifetime. We are all going to age (if we are lucky enough, we will reach an old age) and if we can do that gracefully we will all be better off. 

What’s next for you and for the future screenings of your film?

With the Covid situation, everything is upside down. I’m taking things one day at a time right now and not sure what to do at the moment. But for now, I am so appreciative to have the film accepted as an Official Selection in the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, San Diego Surf Film Festival and the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. 

I’m stoked to announce that 93 – Letters From Marge will be released on November 1, 2020 on The Surf Network.

Moving forward, I eventually plan to continue to get the film out to more festivals, events and fundraisers when we can gather again. I do enjoy sharing my films with a live audience before streaming. I also enjoy having a connection with people who are interested in the subject of my films and who love surfing and the ocean as much as I do. 

To learn more about 93 and Heather Hudson, go to the official website and follow Heather and the film on Instagram.