Swim

Growing up on the Island of Jersey, I have always had a respect for the ocean that surrounds the tiny 9 by 5 mile shores. It can make you feel nomadic and at peace, a feeling like you have the freedom to do anything and yet at times growing up I also felt claustrophobic with no way of escape.

Covid19 was a time where I found myself back home after losing my job in London and I began cold water swimming to pass the time. Restrictions meant lifeguards weren’t working and therefore we were required to swim in twos, allowing me the chance to catch up with a friend at a time where socialising was near impossible.

Cold water swimming is a regular activity for many islanders, taking the plunge at any time of year and whatever the weather. It’s rejuvenating, revitalising and makes you feel alive, and somehow brighter whatever your mood.

Molly came to me with the script in 2022 drawing inspiration from the countless times she has joined her Mum who swims with her friends almost everyday. She felt the most striking element of these meetings was the lack of conversation which we both agreed comes from the comfort and strength of close female friendships.

The lack of dialogue in our film showing the bond the three women share, and the patience Mandy and Sue have for their friend, who is clearly grieving, is a beautiful homage to friendship which has stood the test of time.

The film explores elements of grief and processing that grief, through stillness, tears and swimming. Regaining a sense of normality by simply being. It studies quietness and intimacy within the mundane and visually creates a feeling of freedom and irrelevance within a natural landscape.

This project gave me the chance to collaborate with Will on a film that demonstrates our love of naturalism. Almost documentary in tone, we worked with both actors and non-actors. We attempted to capture feelings that are hard to put into words and atmospheres that feel so expansive we almost got lost within them.

I see ‘Swim’ as the start of my journey into discovering my visual language and style. I am hopeful that despite it coming from a tiny dot on the map, the theme’s translate to people and places wherever you are which bring a sense of safe-ness and release.

The project was difficult; the weather and tides were against us. Filmed over a series of mornings and evenings in late September, we battled with the light, illness and a car breaking down mid take!

My hope is that audiences watch this film, and it reminds them how important it is to keep your friends close and to take the time to breathe, feel, and process each moment. To relish in the silent moments with friends. To swim.