Swimming

Swimming is a dramatic comedy set in winter in Berlin, city of constant change, possibilities, hopes and appearances. From the last golden autumn days into the muddy spring, Berlin winter provides a poetic and absurd setting, urging people inside, focussing on their own wellbeing, while keeping up appearances. Biedermeier in a hipper shade. In their early 30’s, Eva, Jule and Nina are all modern women, standing with both feet on the ground. Still, their concepts of life differ and all of them struggle with expectations on how to live a fulfilled life – being successful in both work and private life at the same time. Swimming evokes a reflection on female role models and female friendship, on love, loyalty and self-fulfilment. The long grown friendship and the swimming ritual build the spine around which the triangular constellation of the women provides a constant dynamic change of forces, loyalties and alliances throughout the events. Eva unconsciously tries to correspond perfectly to all expectations...until she collapses under the pressure. She betrays her friends, Klaasand her own moral values. She finally comes to realize that being perfect is not possible, and – more important – not necessary to be content. The three women learn to trust and live up to their own needs rather than to external expectations.