Vindication Swim

That the film exists at all is something of a miracle. Originally planned to take a few months, the shoot extended to three years, with the swimming footage alone going from three or four planned sessions to nearer thirty. Made on a miniscule budget, the production pulled through thanks to the dedication and passion of all involved, from writer/directer Elliott Hasler through the two principal cast members Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke, to the many extras, theatre groups, town councils and others who went above and beyond.

And was it worth the effort? Yes. Although the budget restrictions show in the tightness of a few of the shots, what does fill the screen is beautifully realised; major kudos to the production design team. Costumes, vehicles, sets - everything looks marvellously authentic. And if the sea-set stuff looks real, it was - they were out there in The English Channel, in a couple of small boats for hours on end, with no body doubles.

Mercedes Gleitze had a fascinating life, of which this is only a small part, but the narrow focus works, enabling the drama of the channel crossings and attendant disputes to be teased out in just the right amount of detail. Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke make an appealing if oddly-matched pair at the centre of it all, in a story about integrity and self-belief, and the end is unexpected - and unexpectedly moving. The conclusion shouldn't work but it does, partly thanks to Daniel Clive McCallum's excellent score, but also due to restrained acting on the part of the leads, and some excellent staging. I was really quite moved, both times I saw it.

This is a beautifully shot true biopic about the struggles of Mercedes Gleitze trying to prove, in a male dominate world, that she did in fact swim the English Channel.

It is shot in black and white but also in colour for all the water scenes. No green screens were used and all the swimming action is done by the actress herself. The film was written, filmed and directed by Elliot Hasler who remarkably has had no formal training in film making.

It is well worth a visit to a local cinema to see and will take you on an emotional roller coaster of a ride as you cheer on Mercedes to succeed seemingly joining the crowds of onlookers cheering her on near the end.

It just shows you a film doesn't have to be a large Hollywood block buster of a film to be just as enjoyable and Vindication Swim shows you just what the best of independent films can be. Don't miss it.

Long-since retired, I present commercial screenings of films at the unique former mobile theatre, Century Theatre, in Coalville, Leicestershire.

I chose to show Vindication Swim to mark my 20th anniversary and this proved to be a very popular choice!

This very high standard, low budget UK production features good performances from both sides of the camera.

Leading lady, newcomer Kirsten Callaghan delivers a delicately fine performance as Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel in 1927, doing all her own swimming - in the Channel! A truly versatile young actress!

I was also very impressed by John Locke's performance as the sad and troubled swimming coach whose life is rejuvenated after he takes Ms Gleitze under his wing.

The pace and interest of the film never flags and, as we used to say, "you could hear a pin drop", as my audience were totally engrossed in the film, which also features some great location shooting and cinematography.

A very accomplished piece of work by the young writer/director Elliott Hasler - an excellent feature film debut.

I understand the film has already proved very successful and I now consider it to be perfect viewing for village halls and other small venues on the non-theatrical circuit. I heartily recommend it and I'm sure my own audience would fully agree with me.

This is an independent film made on a budget. Once this is borne in mind the film maker has produced a well made film telling a human story about a young woman who achieved amazing success despite being a young woman and in a male dominated sport. I found the story moving, entertaining and educational. I came to understand the struggle involved and courage required for channel swimming. The film captured the risks and the very basic support available at the time. The cinematography is very good, and the music and period atmosphere is excellent. Yes it is not a Hollywood block buster but is has charm, its own style and is well worth watching. It is well worth seeing.

What a great film this is about an inspirational true story that seems lost to time. I had never heard of Mercedes Gleitze before, but the film does a great job of bringing you on the journey of really understanding all the challenges she faced and the emotional rollercoaster she went on. Not only did she have to deal with the actual task of swimming the channel, but to do that as a woman at that time makes it all the more impressive.

I loved the way it was shot, the very clever use of black and white scenes mixed with colour scenes when she was in the water which gives the impression she was truly free in the open waters, away from her normal life on land.

A really entertaining, cleverly written film about an amazing woman, well worth a watch.