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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.

I knew absolutely nothing of this story. But the synopsis intrigued me and I felt seeing it on International Women's Day felt right to check this out.

While there was nothing notably bad about it, it felt like a missed opportunity. The whole vibe felt more like a film made for television in every aspect. However, the content is interesting and you can feel the passion and drive the people involved are putting into this project.

If the film had more starpower in front of the camera and more capable minds behind it, this would be worth your time on the big screen.

I'd either find a documentary (if there is one) or wait until this is available to stream.

Excellent, moving story which has been captured in a way that highlighted the struggles that Mercedes had as a woman in a male dominated time.

Beautifully filmed which is even more remarkable when you find out it was written and filmed by such a young Director (Elliot Hasler) as an indie film with a limited budget. Despite this, the film stands up on its own and more than comparable to other 'swim' themed films made with Hollywood stars and multi-million pound budgets.

Having decided to go and see the film after watching a few of the cast and director interviewed on BBC breakfast, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the feel good factor I was left with. Would definitely recommend.

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.

So enjoyed Vindication Swim- the true life tale of Mercedes Gleitz, a courageous young woman who had to work so hard to be recognised as the first British female to swim the channel . The young writer / director has captured the spirit of this early 1900s era with a combination of black and white/ colour atmospheric cinematography. Costumes, vehicles and buildings are accurately " of the time" .The scenes set at sea show the harsh conditions experienced by both the swimmer herself and the support team ( no sat nav and motors)! This young writer/ director Elliott Hasler shows great promise. Well worth a watch.

Being a channel swimmer myself (relay only) I found this a fascinating watch. The challenges of the channel are captured perfectly in the film, I almost felt sea sick at one point, it was so realistic. I felt for the rower, never mind Mercedes. The film clearly portrayed how driven Mercedes was to overcome the prejudice's of the time, being a working class female of German heritage, and this was eloquently emphasised by the sound effects. The film tenderly told the story of Mercedes incredible achievements and what drove her to them. The film makers are to be commended in their portrayal of this period piece, which considering it's a low budget film was extremely good. Go and see it!

"Vindication Swim" stands as a testament to the remarkable talent of its young director Elliott Hasler in capturing the historic journey of British long-distance swimmer Mercedes Gleitze across the English Channel. Directed with precision and authenticity, the film immerses viewers in the challenges and triumphs of Gleitze's daring quest.

Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, the film captures the spirit of adventure and determination as Gleitze embarks on her ambitious swim. Through breathtaking cinematography and intense swimming sequences, viewers experience the physical and emotional hurdles she faces, culminating in a triumphant crossing of the Channel.

The film's focus on Gleitze's personal struggles and triumphs adds depth to her character, portraying her as a resilient and inspiring figure who defied expectations. Her interactions with supporters and skeptics alike highlight the societal barriers she faced, making her achievement all the more meaningful.

"Vindication Swim" is not only a testament to Gleitze's remarkable journey but also a showcase of the young director's talent in bringing this inspiring story to life. It's a captivating film that will leave audiences inspired and uplifted, showcasing Gleitze's indomitable spirit and the limitless possibilities of the human body and mind.

Bravo.

I really enjoyed this film, having never heard of Mercedes before I was captivated by her story. The cinematography was so clever that I had the feeling of being in the water with Mercedes and was wiling her forward with every stroke. By chance I saw the interview with the director and actors on BBC breakfast news. I was very impressed with the young director and am sure we will hear more of him. I will definitely look out for any future films from him. It was also interesting to understand the amount of time the actor who plays Mercedes had to spend in the water and her stamina to be able to do this.

A wonderful authentic low budget film, depicting the story of Mercedes Gleitze, the first woman to swim the channel. So courageously and authentically played by Kirsten Gallaghan, in such difficult conditions of the Channel, totally without stand-ins. Stunts, or computer graphics, often heart stopping, Written by Elliot and Kirsten and produced by Elliot Hasler, this young film maker, using local Sussex locations and cast, Elliot is one to watch, I'm sure he will have his 'Red Carpet' moment in the not too distant future. A good watch.

Val Kelsall

Very apt to be making its first showing on International Women's day.

This independent film tells an important story in a way that draws you in and keeps you hooked. I hadn't heard of Mercedes Gleitze before seeing the film, her story is so interesting and it's great that the film brings it to the public eye. Great rivalry with the other swimmer, and a real idea of how hard it must have been to do that swim. The swimming scenes are incredible, the actor doing them must be brave! Beautiful setting and costumes too, really evocative. The fact it has such a young writer and director makes this even more impressive. It's a great film and I'm excited to see what Elliot does next.

I had never heard of Mercedes story before this film and found learning of her story and achievements through this film very moving. The film is beautifully shot and it was so nice to see the Sussex coast and some of the original locations Mercedes trained and swam at featured. John Locke did a superb job as supporting actor as Mercedes swimming coach and Kirsten Callaghan is for sure a talent we'll see a lot more of in the future. I went to see this on International Women's Day which was very fitting for the story being told. I thought the scenes at sea being shot from in the water really highlighted Mercedes courageous efforts and what she had to endure to achieve her swim.

I had never heard of Mercedes' story. The early scenes of this film where she stands at the water's edge threw me back to childhood, living next to the shores of the Eynhallow Sound where the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. The scenes prompted memories of submerging under those waters at a young age, never losing my respect for the power of the ocean. I held my breath, chest tightening at the swimming scenes which were fearsome, beautiful and utterly inspiring. Her connection to the sea from childhood and life long love of it coupled with her exceptional physical endurance was powerfully shown. A strong portrayal of the prejudice against and oppression of women at that time was evident throughout the film. An incredible and triumphant story which needed to be told and has inspired me to find out more.

Seeing the film at the wonderfully intimate Electric Palace in Hastings and having the opportunity to be part of a Q and A with the director, producer and John Locke the male lead was an added bonus.

At its core, Vindication Swim is a story of triumph in the face of adversity, a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of belief. As Mercedes Gleitze battles the elements and her own inner demons, audiences are left inspired and uplifted, reminded of the boundless potential that lies within each of us.

In conclusion, Vindication Swim is a cinematic tour de force that deserves to be celebrated and remembered for years to come. With its compelling performances, captivating storytelling, and profound thematic resonance, it stands as a shining example of the transformative power of cinema. Do not miss the opportunity to experience this extraordinary film - it will leave you breathless, buoyed by the tides of hope and redemption.

I thoroughly enjoyed this moving indie having caught it at my local cinema on International Women's Day. The story of that of incredible sporting icon, Mercedes Gleitze, whose name was sadly lost to history until this film. The camera work is very impressive for an independent film and really immersed me in the English Channel alongside the characters. These too are worthy of note, portrayed exceptionally well by Kirsten Callaghan (who I believe is making her film debut here - so all the more impressive) and John Locke. Victoria Summer is also great as the villain, but my one critique is that I would have liked to have seen more of her. The highlight of the film is undoubtedly the three Channel sequences, which are absolutely mesmerising, exciting and moving. The finale is a particularly standout moment and had me moved almost to tears. Callaghan's performance here, mixed with the wonderful cinematographer made for something truly special! All in all, I would whole heartedly recommend this gem of the film.

This film has an intimacy about it that subtly wove its way through the remarkable story of Mercedes Gleitze which is all the more so as it's almost 100 years since her successful crossing of the Channel.

The period nature of the film and atmosphere created with the mix of colour and black and white cinematography was as inspired and original as Mercedes herself.

The lead was uncannily similar in looks to Mercedes and portrayed the complexity of her character with understated simplicity that neither overshadowed the story or her achievements.

Ably matched by the supporting character with whom one can only admire as well as feel great empathy.

It was a film with meaning, tension, grit, sadness and inspiration and a reminder that whist sexism and misogyny is not as prevalent now as 100 years ago females are still fighting for equality in sport and the workplace.

This is a fantastically well directed movie. Mercedes Glietze is one of those little known heroines of the early 20th Century and this film certainly does her story justice in a very captivating way. The cinematography, in particular the shots from the English Channel, is really second to none.

Given the incredibly high standard of the film it is hard to believe that it was produced on a budget just a fraction of something coming out of Hollywood, and from a director who is just 23 years old.

Thoroughly recommend taking the time to watch this movie, as Mercedes Glietze's story is bound to capture anyones imagination.

A fantastic independent film about someone I hadn't heard about before - but a story well worth telling!

The cinematography was amazing - I feel the scenes in the water in particular were brilliantly shot, and even more impressive when you hear each was filmed in the Channel.

I also really liked the black and white/colour contrast in the film - I felt it worked very well within the context of the story and Mercedes' life.

The acting throughout was brilliant, too. I think the whole team, but particularly director Elliott Hasler, did a fantastic job to create such a fantastic film in the way they have done. Definitely worth a watch!

This film told a story that I knew nothing about and by the end I was truly moved. As the film progresses you get more and more engrossed and you're routing for Mercedes Gleitze to succeed in her massive challenge. The relationship between Mercedes and her coach is also extremely heartwarming and develops beautifully throughout the film. What struck me was also the quality of the filming in water despite this being an independent film, Elliot and his team did incredibly well to pull this off. The film also gives a really good picture of life for a single woman in 1920s Britain - not a typical story for a film. Well worth a watch.

I loved this film. An amazing story. Shot in a timecapsule transported me back, l wondered what my grandmother thought of a woman swimming the Channel when she was alive. I felt like I was in the sea totally sharing the goal of swimming, with the calm determined struggle. Ever onwards. This is a brilliant film to inspire perseverance.

I particularly enjoyed the authentication in the settings, the costume, the sea scape and so many beautiful old boats. The swimming googles were a real treat.

The actors were interesting, knarly and captivating. This is a grown up film that l think will stay with me for ever.

I enjoyed Vindication Swim immensely especially as it was an untold story from 1920 Elliott Hasler must have come across and had the foresight to tell this remarkable story of Mercedes Gleitze who had the passion & determination for long distance swimming and in the days when women were not given the credit they deserved.

For a low budget film the attention to detail for the period was second to none, the cinematography was very creative and to think it was filmed in the sea was very courageous and a feeling one was in the water with Mercedes.. The talent and determination of this young writer/director is amazing & I would imagine will go far in this industry..

Like most people I had never heard of Mercedes Gleitze and I was intrigued to watch her story come to life on the big screen.

I was not disappointed and it had me gripped from the beginning.

It is beautifully filmed. The young director and writer Elliott Hasler captured the mood and the era perfectly.

The main characters Mercedes Gleitze and Harold Best were portrayed convincingly by the actors Kirsten Callaghan and John Locke. Kirsten was particularly impressive in the swimming scenes, which must have been incredibly challenging!

I'm looking forward to see more films from Elliott Hasler in the future!

Vindication swim, is a smartly shot and captivating film. The way this low budget film manages to draw you in to the life of Mercedes and teaches you about this figure lost to time is impressive alone. Let alone the lengths the cast went through especially the lead who would spend the whole day in the cold English Channel in a 100 year old swim suit to get some of the shots used in this film.

Additionally the use of colour and black and white scenes to portray different emotions of Mercedes is very well done throughout the movie.

Would highly recommend watching this while it's still on in cinemas and supporting an up and coming director and cast. Excited to see what they can accomplish in the future.