‘A Swim Lesson,’ Short Film Ode to Life in the Water, Gets Fall 2024 Release
“A Swim Lesson,” a documentary short film directed by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, has been picked up for distribution starting this fall.
The film will get its broadcast premier on POV on PBS on Nov. 26, streaming via the web and the PBSApp. It will stream on Documentary+ starting Dec. 27.
Photo Courtesy: Le Train Train Productions
The film chronicles the work of Bill Marsh, a Los Angeles-based swim instructor who has spent decades teaching children to swim. It was directed by Jones, a Grammy winner and Emmy nominee, and Oscar winner McCormack.
“Seeing a child learn how to swim is like witnessing a great opera and in this case, the maestro of this emotional orchestra is the inspiring swim instructor Bill Marsh,” Jones said in a press release. “His dedication to these children is the parable we need, as these lessons uncover profound universal truths for all involved.”
“Swimming is the closest human beings will ever get to flying, and there is no greater joy (or fear) than watching your kid take the leap,” said McCormack.
The film debuted at the Telluride Film Festival in 2024 and was also shown at the Hamptons Film Festival.
“This film offers the best combination of beautiful filmmaking, characters you’ll never forget and an important message for impact – it’s exactly the kind of film POV Shorts wants to platform and we’re so excited to do so in collaboration with L.A. Times Studios and Documentary+,” said Opal H. Bennett, executive producer for POV Shorts.
A Swim Lesson is produced by Le Train Train Productions and is presented in partnership with L.A. Times Studios and Documentary+. Rashida Jones and Will McCormack are the executive producers along with Terry Tang and Jason Spingarn-Koff for L.A. Times Studios; Justin Lacob, Bryn Mooser and Hemant Teneja for Documentary; and Opal H. Bennett, Erika Dilday and Chris White for American Documentary I POV Shorts. The film is produced by Emily Arlook and Nicole Emanuele for Le Train Train.