The tale of long-distance swimmer Sara Mardini transcends sport. It is a breathtaking glimpse into our modern refugee crisis, and how several people, including Mardini, have done everything they can and risked their lives for others.
Set in Europe (Berlin, Germany, and Greece), we see the development of Mardini’s plight. A native of Syria, Mardini escaped the country into Greece in 2015. A trained swimmer (as the title would suggest), Sara and her sister Yusra held onto their boat and directed it to the country. This earned her international acclaim.
However, with all this attention came scrutiny. Anti-immigrant sentiment spread rapidly throughout Europe. Many boats full of refugees have either been destroyed or sent back, denying thousands a chance at freedom. In her new home, Sara has provided aid to refugees like herself. However, many Greek citizens have accused her and various others of fraud, spying, and other crimes. She spent over 100 days in jail and faces an even longer (up to 20 years) sentence.
It is an interesting juxtaposition that the film explores. A former refugee herself, Mardini is clearly motivated to help others who were once in her position. Her work feels (despite the opinions of others) somewhat authentic because of this. However, why would someone be willing to put their life on the line if they know they’ll face extreme punishment for doing so? Sara at some points even discusses feeling unmotivated due to these factors, and it’s hard to blame her. She also discusses her point of privilege, as her own journey was heavily documented and lends her more notoriety that other humanitarians lack. To put it simply, there’s a lot to explore here, and it makes for a compelling watch.
Where does this film fit on public or academic library shelves?
This film fits well on the shelves of both public and academic libraries in several key sections:
Documentary and Non-fiction: Given its focus on the modern refugee crisis, the film would be a valuable addition to any documentary collection, providing insightful perspectives on contemporary global issues.
Political Science: The film is an excellent resource for those studying modern political science and trends, offering real-world examples and analyses of political events and policies affecting refugees.
Public Policy and Government: For students and professionals in public policy and government, the film serves as an important educational tool, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in policy-making and humanitarian efforts.
Sociology and Human Rights: The film's exploration of the refugee crisis also makes it suitable for sociology and human rights sections, as it delves into social dynamics, human rights issues, and the impact of displacement on communities.
International Relations: The film can be a critical resource for those studying international relations, providing context and understanding of the global implications and responses to the refugee crisis.
Overall, this film is a multifaceted resource that can enrich various areas of a library's collection, supporting both educational and public awareness efforts.
What are the pricing options for the DVD and public performance rights (PPR) packages?
- DVD: $29.95
- DVD with Public Performance Rights (PPR): $250
- Digital Site License (DSL) & DVD with PPR: $375
Director's Bio
Charly Wai Feldman is a writer, producer and documentary filmmaker based in London UK. She has a background producing current affairs films, many with international distribution. Her work includes The Talwars - a four-part HBO series, and This is Exile: Diaries of Child Refugees, which premiered at IDFA and won the Amnesty International Award in 2016. More recently, Charly produced the climate change musical road trip documentary the Great Green Wall, and created a series called Inside the Cryptokingdom exploring the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. Long Distance Swimmer: Sara Mardini is her first feature documentary, shot over nearly four years following former Syrian swimmer and activist Sara Mardini after she is accused of human smuggling, money laundering and espionage. Charly is the recipient of the 2020 Malik Bendjelloul Memorial Fund, has served as a jury member for Royal Television Society and is a member of Brown Girls Doc Mafia.
Download Long Distance Swimmer Study Guide click here
Download Long Distance Swimmer Press Kit click here
Award and Film Festivals
- Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, Canada
- Sheffield DocFest International Documentary Festival, UK
- Galway Film Fleadh International Film Festival
- BIFED - Bozcaada International Festival of Ecological Documentary, Turkey
- Raindance Film Festival, UK
- Films for Future Festival, Switzerland
- On the Move Festival, Germany
- ReFrame Film Festival, Canada
- World Community Film Festival, Canada
- Millenium International Documentary Film Festival, Belgium
- Jeonju International Film Festival, Korea