“A nigh-on perfect documentary.”
— The Independent
Men Who Swim
Feature Documentary • 2010 • 71’ • UK, Sweden
Credits
Director: Dylan Williams
Producer: Al Morrow
Filmed & Produced by: Erik Pauser
Executive Producers: Jerry Rothwell, Jonny Persey
Co-Producer: Stewart Le Marechal
Associate Producer: Stefano Strocchi
Partners: BBC, ZDF, PBS, VPRO, SVT, YLE, Fox, Yes TV
After initially believing that they are the only all-male synchro team in the world, the group is surprised to discover that other countries also have teams, including Japan, Ukraine, Holland, France and Spain. For the first time there will be an All-Male World Championship in the sport (albeit unofficial) and the team set to work practising their routines. More than half the team turn 40 during the lead up to the championships and MEN WHO SWIM explores what it is to be part of a team and the individual struggles some of them face at a crucial time in life.
Awards & Festivals
Audience Award
— AFI/Discovery Channel Silverdocs 2011
Grierson Award [Nominee]
—BFI London Film Festival 2011
Nordic Film Festival 2011
Tromso Film Festival 2011
Nordisk Panorama Film Festival 2011
Victoria Film Festival 2011
Reviews
“A nigh-on perfect documentary.”
— The Independent
“Wonderful.”
— Daily Mirror
“It’s a gem.”
— The Observer
“Like Spinal Tap in swimming trunks.”
— The Scotsman
“A wonderful documentary that’s poignant, acute and funny.”
— Radio Times
“Full Monty, only wetter and more subtle… a surprisingly lovely film.”
— The Guardian
★★★★
— Time Out (Critics Choice)
