Men Who Swim

Men Who Swim is a humorous and poignant look at a group of middle-aged men who have found unlikely success as members of Sweden's all-male synchronized swimming team. What begins as a weekly escape from the daily grind of work and family responsibilities gradually evolves into a more serious commitment. Inspired by Esther Williams's techniques from the 1950s, these train engineers and meat buyers, archivists and teachers soon become passionate exponents of a sport generally associated with women.

After initially believing that are the only all-male team in the world, they're surprised to discover that other countries also have teams, including Japan, Ukraine, Holland, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy and Spain. For the first time, there is even going to be an unofficial All Male World Championship in the sport.

The team enters the championship in Milan and quickly realize they will have to train hard if they are to have a chance at the medals. Initially, there is resistance among the men to a new regime that requires dedication, punctuality and precision. Tempers flare and nerves fray, but finally they start to work in sync to pull together a winning routine.

The film examines what it means to be part of a team and also what it is to be an individual at a crucial time in life. Ultimately, it is about realizing that maybe you have already got everything you ever wanted.

Team Partner

Al Morrow, producer
Erik Pauser, producer

Producer / Production Details

Met Film in association with BBC, ITVS, PBS, SVT, YLE (FST), VPRO, Fox-Italia, Yes-TV, NHK BS1