The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›The Swimmers
Entertainment • Film

The Swimmers

The Swimmers is a 2022 biographical sports drama film directed by Sally El Hosaini from a screenplay by El Hosaini and Jack Thorne.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Swimmers is a 2022 biographical sports drama film directed by Sally El Hosaini from a screenplay by El Hosaini and Jack Thorne. It stars Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa as Syrian refugee sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, and follows their flight from Syria to Europe and Yusra’s path toward the 2016 Rio Olympics. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, one of Canada’s major international film events.

Premise

The film dramatizes the journey of Yusra and Sara Mardini, Syrian refugees who flee war and make a dangerous sea crossing before Yusra later competes in swimming at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is based on the true story of the sisters and centers on their flight from Syria to Europe and Yusra’s Olympic swimming ambitions.

Cast

Nathalie Issa and Manal Issa portray the Mardini sisters. The supporting cast includes Ahmed Malek, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ali Suliman, Kinda Alloush, James Krishna Floyd, and Elmi Rashid Elmi.

Release and reception

The Swimmers premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival as an opening gala selection. It had a limited theatrical release on November 11, 2022, and began streaming on Netflix on November 23, 2022. The film received positive critical reviews and became a global hit on the platform.

Awards

The film was nominated for Outstanding British Film at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards.

Key facts

  • Based on the true story of Syrian sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini.
  • Premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival as an opening gala selection.
  • Netflix released the film on November 23, 2022.
  • The story centers on the sisters’ journey from Syria to Europe and Yusra’s later Olympic swimming ambitions.
  • Nominated for Outstanding British Film at the 2023 BAFTA Film Awards.
🍁
Canadian context

The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, which is one of Canada’s major international film events.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Swimmers about?
It is about Syrian sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini, who flee war and undertake a dangerous journey to Europe, after which Yusra pursues competitive swimming and the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Who directed The Swimmers?
Sally El Hosaini directed the film.
When was The Swimmers released?
It premiered at TIFF on September 8, 2022, opened in select cinemas on November 11, 2022, and began streaming on Netflix on November 23, 2022.
Is The Swimmers based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on the real lives of Syrian refugee sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini.
What languages is The Swimmers in?
The film is presented in English and Arabic.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Swimmers_(2022_film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, cast, premise, premiere, release, reception, and BAFTA nomination
  2. British Council UK Films Database — https://filmsandfestivals.britishcouncil.org/projects/the-swimmers
    Supports: TIFF world premiere and production details
  3. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81365134
    Supports: Official synopsis and streaming availability
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/23/movies/the-swimmers-review.html
    Supports: Runtime, language, release context, and plot details
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-swimmers-movie-review-2022
    Supports: Based on the true story of Yusra and Sara Mardini and general critical reception