By Sandy Connors | Editorial credit: Ovidiu Hrubaru / Shutterstock.com

Academy Award-nominated actress Naomie Harris has been announced as the narrator of the upcoming documentary, Swim Sistas, a powerful exploration of the complex relationship between Black women and swimming. The project aims to shed light on generational barriers, personal triumphs, and cultural perceptions that have long influenced Black women’s access to and experience in aquatic spaces.

The film will be directed by filmmaker Catherine Joy White, according to an exclusive report by Variety. Swim Sistas is poised to be a groundbreaking addition to the growing body of work challenging stereotypes and elevating underrepresented voices in sports and wellness. The news was first reported in an exclusive by Variety, highlighting the documentary’s unique focus and notable cast of featured individuals.

The film will intimately follow the journeys of four inspiring Black British women who have forged a deep connection with swimming despite social, cultural, and personal obstacles:
-Alice Dearing, an Olympic swimmer and trailblazer as the first Black female swimmer to represent Great Britain in the Olympics.
-Jasmine Boatswain, a professional rugby player who brings her athletic discipline to the water.
-Lexi Sandiford, a determined athlete embracing swimming as part of her holistic journey.
-Roni Bruno, who courageously learned to swim at the age of 54, defying age and fear to reclaim her confidence.

Through their personal narratives, Swim Sistas reveals the emotional and historical weight that water carries for many Black women, from the legacy of exclusion at public pools to the empowering choice to embrace the water on their own terms.

The title Swim Sistas is more than just a name—it represents a growing community of Black women across the globe reclaiming swimming as a space for healing, strength, joy, and freedom. The documentary is expected to resonate with audiences worldwide, especially those advocating for equity and diversity in recreational and competitive sports.

As the narrator, Naomie Harris brings both star power and a deep sense of authenticity to the project. Known for her roles in Moonlight, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and the James Bond franchise, Harris has long been a vocal supporter of inclusion and representation in the arts.

Swim Sistas promises to be a visually compelling, emotionally moving, and socially relevant film that uplifts the voices of Black women who dare to swim against the current—both literally and metaphorically.

For more information and updates about the documentary, follow the latest announcements from Variety and Swimming World Magazine.

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