Filmhouse/New Kalamata Cinema Club-THE SWIMMERS

From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Olympics, two young sisters embark on a perilous journey, putting their souls and swimming talents to heroic use.
The movie The Swimmers is based on the true story of the Mardini sisters, Sara and Yusra, who decided to leave Syria in 2015 because of the civil war. The film traces the thrilling adventure of the brothers, who travelled through Greece, using their hearts and swimming skills to heroic effect.

The film "illuminates" the terrible conditions thousands of refugees face worldwide. It is not just another sports story brought to the screen but something much more.

During their trip, the sisters arrived in Turkey by plane, hoping to head to Germany by boat via Greece. They were battling the icy waves of the Aegean Sea when suddenly the engine of the overloaded boat carrying 18 other passengers, people seeking asylum, went out. The Mardini sisters jumped into the water without hesitation, grabbed the ropes along with two other passengers and used their swimming skills to save everyone.
The film, which has attracted international attention, deals with issues of war, displacement, the power of human relationships, and individuals' dreams and resilience. It is also dedicated to the critical role METAdrasis plays in Kalamata.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 18
Dedicated to promoting and supporting the important work of METAdrasis
THE SWIMMERS
Docudrama, Water Sport | 13+ | 2022 | USA | 134'
directed by: Sally El Hosaini
starring: Matthias Schweighöfer, Ali Suliman, James Krishna Floyd
General admission is 5 euros. Admission is 3 euros for unemployed and students and free for those under 18