3 minute read
"Dimming someone else's light doesn't make yours shine any brighter. But imagine what the world would be like if we all just lit each other’s lights, how bright the world would be."
For International Women's Day, Catherine Joy White, the writer and director of the award-winning short documentary 'Swim Sistas', brought the crew back together, along with some new friends, to reflect on the women who inspired them, the importance of community, and raising each other up.
Watch the special International Women’s Day film…
For many in the film, the support of other women was the catalyst for their journey. When the water felt heavy or the "sorry for myself" moments crept in, the message from the women who raised them was clear: "Don't worry about it. Stand up, move on, and keep going."
For a long time, statistics have painted a narrow picture of who belongs in the water. The Swim Sistas are changing that narrative, inspired by the icons who came before them and the sisters swimming alongside them today.
‘Swim Sistas’ is narrated by Academy Award nominee Naomie Harris and follows four women across three generations, from Olympic trailblazer Alice Dearing to Roni Bruno, who learned to swim at 54. It is more than a story about sport; it is a "poetic love letter to water" and a celebration of reclaiming space where it hasn't always been offered.
The film has picked up numerous awards, including Best Short Film at the Kendal Mountain Festival, Jury’s Choice award at the Thomas Edison Film Festival, and the award for Best Wild Swim & Water Film at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival.
Read our interview Swim Sistas crew.
It is up to all of us to continue this fight, to gather everyone around and ensure that the outdoors remains a space for everyone. This International Women's Day, we celebrate the champions who are taking everyone in and making waves for the next generation.
We’re proud to support this film through the Dryrobe® Warmth Project.
Film by Catherine Joy White
Instagram: @catherinejoywhite
Follow Swim Sistas
Instagram: @swimsistasfilm
Film Credits:
A Kusini Productions Film
Director and Producer - Catherine Joy White
Cinematographer - Martyna Knitter
Editor and Sound Designer - Alysia Judge
Composer - Hollie Buhagiar
Colourist - Benita Kiliute
Colour Producer - Ollie Ireland
Colour Studio - No.8
Executive Producer - Dylan Tweedale
Camera Rental - Focus Canning
Insurance - Tysers
Shot on location at Sea Lanes, Brighton
Featuring:
Alice Dearing, Bea Bruno, Catherine Joy White, Emma Simpson, Gail Wilson, Hannah White, Jasmine Boatswain, Jharna Kumawat, Jodie Sandiford, Laura White, Lexie Sandiford, Lenny Bruno, Roni Bruno, and Rosanna Tanenbaum
Special Thanks:
Leanne Ladbury, Harry Smith, Matthew Jennett, Emily Meredith, and Benjamin McIvor
Published on March 07, 2026
