The Swimmer (2018)
A spare and haunting Spanish short film about a boy who leaps into the sea, leaving everything behind in a single act of desperate courage.
The Swimmer - Movie Information
- Original Title: El nadador
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Pablo Barce
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 19m
- Original Language: Spanish
- Spoken Languages: Arabic, Spanish
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 10, 2018 (Spain)
- Production Companies: Dexiderius Producciones, Malas Compañías
- Production Countries: Spain
The Swimmer - Plot
A boy throws himself into the sea without looking back.
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The Swimmer - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Pablo Barce
Main Cast
- Taha El Mahroug
- Mario Zorrilla
- Morad El Jaouhari
- Ghita Taha
- Nezar Moussa
- Amin Moutauoii
- Bilal Ahmed
- Yousseff Chghaich
- Sergio Barce Orellana
- Mohamed Reda
Writers
- Sergio Barce Orellana
- Pablo Barce
Producers
- César Martínez Herrada
The Swimmer - FAQs
What is The Swimmer about?
The Swimmer follows Hakim, a young boy who makes the desperate decision to throw himself into the sea and swim toward an uncertain future. The film is a tense, spare short drama that captures the raw courage and vulnerability of a child facing an impossible crossing, told with minimal dialogue and striking imagery.
Is The Swimmer based on a true story?
The Swimmer draws on the real and ongoing humanitarian crisis of migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings from North Africa to Spain. While the characters are fictional, the story reflects the lived experiences of countless children and families who risk their lives seeking safety and a better future across the Strait of Gibraltar.
Where can you watch The Swimmer online?
You can check current streaming and viewing options for The Swimmer on JustWatch, which tracks availability across platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your country, so JustWatch is the best place to find up-to-date options for renting, purchasing, or streaming the film.
What does the sea symbolize in The Swimmer?
In The Swimmer, the sea functions as both a physical barrier and a symbol of hope, danger, and the unknown. For Hakim, plunging into the water without looking back represents a definitive break from his past and a desperate leap toward an uncertain future — a powerful metaphor for the migrant experience.
Who directed The Swimmer (2018)?
The Swimmer was directed by Pablo Barce, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Sergio Barce Orellana and served as editor. The film was produced in Spain by Dexiderius Producciones and Malas Compañías, with cinematography by Jorge Roig.
Who are the main actors in The Swimmer?
The cast is led by Taha El Mahroug as Hakim, the young boy at the heart of the story, alongside Mario Zorrilla as Manuel and Morad El Jaouhari as the Father. Ghita Taha, Nezar Moussa, Amin Moutauoii, Bilal Ahmed, and Yousseff Chghaich round out the ensemble.
What languages are spoken in The Swimmer?
The Swimmer is spoken in both Arabic and Spanish, reflecting the bicultural reality of its story. The interplay between the two languages reinforces the film's themes of crossing borders — not just physical ones, but cultural and linguistic ones as well.
How long is The Swimmer (2018)?
The Swimmer runs just 19 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, the film packs a remarkable emotional punch, using its tight format to deliver a focused, immersive portrait of one boy's act of courage at the edge of the sea.
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