The Ponds shortlisted for Screen award

18th October, 2019

Hampstead Heath swimming film The Ponds has been shortlisted in the Documentary Film Release of the Year category at the UK Screen Awards – and co-producer Patrick McLennan says support from swimmers was crucial.

Familiar to most in the outdoor swimming community, The Ponds follows the regulars at London’s Hampstead Ponds over the course of a year. Two years in the making, the film initially had a limited cinematic release but proved popular with swimming groups.

“The award is for the best marketing, distribution and box office, in particular the ratio of bums on seats,” says Patrick. “A big reason the film succeeded was because swimmers and swimming groups got behind it and spread the word. The ripple effect was something else!

“We may not win it as we’re up against some powerhouse productions, but we’re very happy to be in the running.”
Winners will be selected by a panel of film industry experts and will announced at a ceremony on 28th November. Find out more about The Ponds here.
Justine Harvey