SWIM

Sample footage from THE SWIM, currently in post-production: a 40-minute documentary film about the SWIM FOR LIFE, an annual event in Provincetown, MA. We follow six out of the hundreds of swimmers as they prepare for their journey across the deepest natural harbor on the East Coast, musing on the meaning of life and dedicating their efforts to someone they love as a prayer in action. The Swim for Life was started by activist artist Jay Critchley in 1987 to raise money and awareness for HIV/AIDS and women's health, and he conducts the event like a ceremony, "activating the harbor" as a participatory public artwork. Swimmers and guests are invited to inscribe a message on a long strip of colorful ribbon, and now over 6000 ribbons fly over the annual event.