Filming of “;Soul Surfer,”; an inspirational film based on the autobiography of champion surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost an arm to a shark six years ago, began on Oahu's North Shore last week.

Hamilton, now 19, has defied all odds by continuing to compete and win professional surf championships despite the loss of her arm.

Golden Globe nominee Dennis Quaid stars as Hamilton's father, while Academy Award winner Helen Hunt stars as her mother.

AnnaSophia Robb, who starred in last year's “;Race to Witch Mountain,”; plays Hamilton, while Grammy winner Carrie Underwood makes her film debut as a church youth leader in the film.

Sean McNamara will direct the independent drama.