Vindication Swim dives into the extraordinary life of Mercedes Gleitze, who in 1927 became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. The film depicts Mercedes’ upstream struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.
Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Elliott Hasler, Vindication Swim stars British-Irish actress Kirsten Callaghan in her debut role as Mercedes Gleitze, who trained for months in the English Channel before filming began. The film also stars John Locke (Darkest Hour, Poor Things, The Favourite) alongside James Wilby (Maurice, Gosford Park, Howards End) and Douglas Hodge (Joker, The Great, Black Mirror).
Vindication Swim is playing at Dukes at Komedia on Oct 21st hosted by Greenpeace and by Swim Scotland at Cameo on Oct 24th with Olympian Dan Wallace. The film was almost fully sustainably made from the costumes to the catering and the director will discuss his aims for sustainable filmmaking and the panels will discuss how our oceans have changed in the 100 years since Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the channel.
At Cameo Swimming Scotland and Scottish Olympic medallist Dan Wallace, who recently swum the English Channel, present both the screening and panel.
Green Screen is a community-led space to discuss the environmental issues raised in the films we show. Everyone is invited to continue the conversation after the film in the cinema's bar or cafe – enjoy a free tea or filter coffee when you bring a keep cup!
