Andy Irons: Kissed By God

"Andy Irons: Kissed By God" is a documentary film about the life and professional career of the late Hawaiian surfer, Andy Irons.

Philip Andrew Irons was born in Kauai, Hawaii, in 1978. He won three world surfing titles (2002, 2003, and 2005) and four Triple Crowns of Surfing.

Despite all the success, Andy's personal demons ultimately led to the heartbreaking tragedy that became part of his legacy.

For many, he is one of the most iconic surfing legends of the history of the sport. Irons, who suffered from opioid addiction and bipolar disorder, passed away in November 2010.

He was found dead in a hotel room, and the autopsy revealed that the "People's Champion" died from a cardiac arrest due to a severe blockage of a main artery of the heart.

The untold story of Andy Irons interlaces breathtaking cinematography with archival footage and interviews with family, friends, his brother Andy Irons, his wife Lyndie Irons, Joel Parkinson, Nathan Fletcher, Sunny Garcia, and longtime rival Kelly Slater. 

"The time to tell Andy's story is now, not because we want to glorify his life or accomplishments but because Andy wanted to share the truth of his struggles to educate future generations," said his brother, Bruce Irons.

The movie spotlights the effect of mental illness on one of the millions who struggle with the disease every day.

"We wanted to share the whole story - both the struggles and the triumphs - and give intimate insight as to who Andy was as a whole."

The film, three years in the making, honors the legacy of Andy Irons and focuses on his struggles with bipolar disorder and opioid addiction.

This film is about a person who lived life to the fullest, at the top of his industry but did so, facing insurmountable internal challenges.

Fellow surfing champion and friend Kelly Slater said: "Andy was an absolutely gifted individual. I am lucky to have known him and had the times we had together. He was the most intense competitor I've ever known and one of the most sensitive people."

"Andy Irons: Kissed By God" is directed by Steve and Todd Jones and produced by Teton Gravity Research.