An Academy Award nominated, Primetime Emmy Award winning director and producer, Rory Kennedy’s work deals with some of the world’s most pressing issues — poverty, political corruption, domestic abuse, drug addition, human rights, and mental illness. In 2014, Kennedy made the Oscar-nominated “Last Days in Vietnam,” which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and went into wide theatrical release in the fall of that year. Kennedy has made more than 30 acclaimed documentaries.

“Take Every Way: The Life of Laird Hamilton” will premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival on January 22.

W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.

RK: To me, “Take Every Wave” isn’t a traditional sports documentary. It is a universal story about human potential — about striving, about the power of an individual to overcome limits, and about the ability we all have to shape our own destiny.

W&H: What drew you to this story?

RK: I am drawn to the universal story of people pushing themselves to their limits. Growing up the youngest of 11 children, plus having seven older brothers to contend with, meant that athleticism and competition were a big part of my life.

I have always been interested in what drives a person to be the best at what they do — what it takes to become game changers in any given field or arena.

Also, I have to admit, I thought making this film would be really fun, just a cool, thrilling experience. It was. So while it may have been a departure for me and out of my comfort zone, it took me to a very good place.

W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?

RK: Laird is inspiring because he achieved what was thought to be impossible. He was a kid who grew up on the beach and dreamed big, becoming one of the most famous surfers in the world without competing. He lived for the ocean, the surf, and waves.

His love for the sport pushed him to achieve greatness. When people walk away I hope they look within themselves and find that thing in their life that inspires them to achieve what they had previously thought impossible.

W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?

RK: How to take a somewhat conventional mode of storytelling — the iconic surf film — and tell it in an unexpected, unconventional way.

W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.

RK: It’s always difficult to find funding for documentaries. With this project, there was a budget in place when I was approached to direct the film, so my challenge was less about finding funding and more about optimizing what we had. With Laird, we had a lot of shoot days that were very difficult to schedule because we were always waiting for the right waves and right weather.

“Take Every Wave” is also driven by archival material. The vast majority of the images and film clips we used were shot and owned by individual surfers, as opposed to more traditional archive houses. It was a unique challenge to identify material across so many decades and to then secure the rights with a great many different sources.

W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at Sundance?

RK: It’s an honor. It’s one of the most prestigious festivals in the world, and it brings together some of the most established and talented filmmakers in the industry. You never know how an audience or a festival selection committee is going to receive a project.

Ultimately, I think Laird’s story is more than an athletic epic. It’s also a human story about perseverance, courage, dedication — our ability to achieve more than we ever thought was possible. To be invited to premiere at Sundance makes me feel that the film did manage to convey some of these universal themes.

W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?

RK: Best advice: Be grateful, even when life is challenging.

Worst advice: To quit.

W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?

RK: I’m surrounded, and have been for my entire life, by women who, in the face of adversity, choose to persevere. They choose to rise above and go beyond. They choose to believe that they are deserving of greatness, and that they have the ability achieve it.

Recent events have demonstrated all the work ahead in reaching gender equity. My advice would be to celebrate and support each other, and to be resilient in the face of adversity. Throughout your career people will continually tell you that because you’re a woman, there are certain things you can’t do.

When this happens, instead of succumbing, double down — like my film’s title — take every wave. Remember, if you are willing to work hard enough, there are no limits.

W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why

RK: Liz Garbus’ “What Happened Miss Simone?” because it’s important, timely, and powerful.

W&H: Have you seen opportunities for women filmmakers increase over the last year due to the increased attention paid to the issue? If someone asked you what you thought needed to be done to get women more opportunities to direct, what would be your answer?

RK: You need to hire them.