Long Distance Swimmer - Sara Mardini

Gegen den Strom - Sara Mardini

The Syrian swimmer who pulled the boat that carried her and another 18 refugees to Greece now copes with the consequences of becoming a famous activist.

After their act of heroism at sea, Sara and her sister Yusra were transformed into international celebrities. Sara became an activist and Yusra an Olympic swimmer. After their passage to Europe was guaranteed, Sara kept helping her fellow migrants and refugees, volunteering as a lifeguard with Emergency Response Center International. Because of her actions, she was arrested by Greek authorities on a variety of counts, including people trafficking. Long Distance Swimmer details Sara’s daily life in Berlin, as she awaits the outcome of charges that could send her to jail for years. A hero to many, she has become a voice for those who are subject to a growing tide of antiimmigration policies.

Special Programmes

DocFest Online
Strands

Journeys
Topics

Activism, Portraits, Personal Stories & Society, Human Rights
Premiere status

UK premiere

Film details

Director(s)

Charly Wai Feldman
Country(s)

Germany, United Kingdom
Year

2023
Duration

88 mins
Producer(s)

Antje Böhmert, Anna von Dziembowska, Daniel Druhora, Drake Burnette
Cinematography

Zamarin Wahdat
Editing

Franziska von Berlepsch
Sound

Stanislaw Milkowski
Language(s)

German, English, Arabic, Greek
Subtitles

English Subtitles Throughout
Certification

Unclassified 18+