Topic: Swimming

Direction Leni Riefenstahl

Synopsis Olympia (1938) is a cinematic masterpiece directed by Leni Riefenstahl, capturing the essence of the 11th Olympic Games held in Berlin from August 1st to August 16th, 1936. This groundbreaking documentary has garnered numerous accolades and is frequently hailed by...

Direction Philippe Lioret

Cast Vincent Lindon · Firat Ayverdi · Audrey Dana · Patrick Ligardes

Synopsis Welcome (2009) follows the story of Bilal, a 17-year-old Iraqi who embarks on a daring journey across Europe to reunite with his girlfriend Mina, who has already moved to England. His adventure takes a pause in Calais, France, where he...

Direction Robert Connolly

Cast Matt Nable · Elias Anton · Ben Kindon · Victoria Haralabidou

Synopsis Barracuda (TV Miniseries) (2016) follows the journey of Danny Kelly, a gifted swimmer who secures a spot at an elite Melbourne private school through a sports scholarship. Hailing from a working-class background with Greek and Scottish heritage, Danny faces bullying...

Direction Frank Perry

Cast Burt Lancaster · Janice Rule · Janet Landgard · Tony Bickley

Synopsis The Swimmer (1968) follows Neddy Merrill, who resurfaces after spending most of the summer away, making an appearance at a friend's pool. During their conversation, it is revealed that pools are scattered throughout the entire valley. On a whim, Neddy...

Direction Joachim Rønning

Cast Daisy Ridley · Stephen Graham · Tilda Cobham-Hervey · Kim Bodnia

Synopsis Young Woman and the Sea (2024) follows the inspiring journey of Trudy Ederle, who in 1926, made history as the first female to conquer the English Channel with a solo swim. The film delves into her determination, resilience, and the...

Direction John Maringouin

Cast Martin Strel

Synopsis Big River Man (2009) chronicles the extraordinary journey of Martin Strel as he endeavors to conquer a staggering 3,375 miles, aiming to set a new world record for the longest swim. Hailing from Slovenia, Strel is no stranger to monumental...

Direction Julie Gautier

Cast Julie Gautier

Synopsis Ama (S) (2018) is a wordless cinematic experience that invites viewers to draw their own meanings from the narrative, shaped by their personal journeys. The film avoids explicit storytelling, instead offering subtle hints and impressions. The director, Julie Gautier, uses...

Direction Sally El Hosaini

Cast Manal Issa · Nathalie Issa · Matthias Schweighöfer · Ali Suliman

Synopsis The Swimmers (2022) chronicles the extraordinary voyage of two sisters, Yusra and Sarah Mardini, who, as refugees escaping the ravages of war in Syria, embarked on an incredible journey to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Direction Céline Sciamma

Cast Adèle Haenel · Louise Blachère · Pauline Acquart · Marie Gili-Pierre

Synopsis Water Lilies (2007) unfolds during a languid summer in a newly developed suburb on the outskirts of Paris. The days stretch out endlessly, leaving the young inhabitants with little to do but gaze at the ceiling. Marie, Anne, and Floriane,...

Direction Hiroko Utsumi

Synopsis Free! (TV Series) (2013) is a captivating anime series that spans three seasons and 37 episodes, originally aired from 2013 to 2018. The narrative centers around Nanase Haruka, a young man with a deep affection for water and swimming. Before...

Direction Pascal Plante

Cast Katerine Savard · Ariane Mainville · Pierre-Yves Cardinal · Hilary Caldwell

Synopsis Nadia, Butterfly (2020) follows the journey of a talented swimmer, Nadia, portrayed by two-time Olympian Katerine Savard, who chooses to step away from her professional swimming career following the Olympic Games. Seeking to break free from the demanding and disciplined...

Direction Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi · Jimmy Chin

Cast Annette Bening · Jodie Foster · Rhys Ifans · Ethan Jones Romero

Synopsis Nyad (2023) follows the inspiring journey of Diana Nyad, who at 60 years old, embarks on a monumental challenge. Three decades after transitioning from competitive swimming to a distinguished career in sports journalism, Nyad becomes fixated on achieving a lifelong...

Direction Nora Twomey

Synopsis Backwards Boy (S) (2004) follows the life of Cúilín Dualach, a young boy residing in a quaint town in western Ireland. He is deeply cherished by his mother, but his father's affection is notably absent. Cúilín's unique physical trait—his head...

Direction Jean Vigo

Cast Jean Taris

Synopsis Taris (S) (1931) is a cinematic journey directed by Jean Vigo, serving as a tribute to the renowned French swimming champion Jean Taris, who makes a personal appearance in the film. Beyond its celebratory aspect, the documentary is a pioneering...

Direction Lynne Ramsay

Cast Tom Litten · Niall Burton · Curtis Coker

Synopsis Swimmer (S) (2012) follows the journey of a youthful individual as he navigates the rivers and lakes of Britain, propelled by a diverse collection of patriotic tunes. Along his aquatic path, he encounters various individuals on the shores, such as...

Direction Peter Greenaway

Synopsis Making a Splash (S) (1984) is a captivating exploration by Peter Greenaway that delves into the profound connection between humans and water. This documentary is meticulously choreographed to the enchanting compositions of Michael Nyman, culminating in a breathtaking synchronized swimming...

Direction Wannes Destoop

Cast Janis Vercaempst · Johan Heldenbergh · Wim Opbrouck · Lies Pauwels

Direction Sunu Gonera

Cast Terrence Howard · Bernie Mac · Tom Arnold · Kimberly Elise

Synopsis Pride (2007) is a heartwarming tale inspired by real events, focusing on Jim Ellis, a dynamic educator in the 1970s who made a lasting impact by establishing an African-American swim team in one of Philadelphia's most challenging neighborhoods. Set in...

Direction Fabrice Cazeneuve

Cast Julien Baumgartner · Julia Maraval · Jérémie Elkaïm · François Comar

Synopsis You'll Get Over It (TV) (2002) follows the journey of Vincent, a high school student who unexpectedly becomes the target of an outing incident. As a result, he is forced to navigate the significant shifts in his life, reassess his...

Direction Russell Mulcahy

Cast Geoffrey Rush · Judy Davis · Jesse Spencer · Tim Draxl

Synopsis Swimming Upstream (2003) chronicles the gripping and motivational true journey of Tony Fingleton, a youth from a troubled household who discovered the inner fortitude to achieve greatness. Adapted from Anthony Fingleton’s autobiographical novel and set in the 1950s in Brisbane,...