Vindication Swim

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.

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.

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.

Wow. What an enthralling film from the word go. Had me wrapped in the story from the off and the attention to detail for the architecture and settings for the era was amazing. The ocean clips were chilling. Thank you for bringing Mercedes story to us. A remarkable story that covered not just Mercedes' story but told of woman's struggles and misogyny back in the day. Her strive to prove her critics and to herself beyond all difficulties and weather / tide made one feel quite humble to watch. A true triumph of a film and story telling. Kirsten and Elliott its a wonde4ful film of which you must feel very proud.

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.