“[A] buoyant, self-willed, defiant biopic” — on June 14, see the heroic story of long-distance champion swimmer Sally Bauer in New Nordic Cinema!
In 1939, World War II is around the corner—but the only thing Sally Bauer (Josefin Neldén) can think of is the ocean. Obsessed with swimming since childhood, her father’s attempts to curb the habit have been unsuccessful, until an unwanted pregnancy forces her to abandon her dream. As an unwed single mother, she has no room for ambition. But when her sister Carla gives her renewed purpose, the two set out to dismantle the conventions working against them to realize Sally’s ultimate goal: swimming across the English Channel.
Facing sexism, raising a seven-year-old, and raising money to train and prepare abroad are daunting enough, and as war spreads across Europe, the Channel soon becomes a frontier between Allies and Axis powers. But as Sally steps onto the shores of Dover to take her first steps into the open and icy sea, her journey has only just begun. A complex and heroic film, The Swedish Torpedo (Den svenska torpeden, dir. Frida Kempff, Sweden 2024) features a riveting performance by Josefin Neldén as an ultimate trailblazer.
“Exhilarating and heartfelt… Josefin Neldén is utterly mesmerizing” (Reel News Daily)
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Frida Kempff, Swedish director and screenwriter, began her visual arts career in television, where she produced and directed several projects and documentaries. Following her graduation from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts, Kempff made a splash on the international scene with her 2009 documentary short, Bathing Micky. The title won several international awards, including the Prix du Jury at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. In 2015, Kempff made her full-length debut with the documentary Winter Buoy. The film premiered at the Gothenburg Film Festival, where it was nominated for the Nordic Dragon Award for ‘Best Nordic Documentary’. Winter Buoy went on to win ‘Best Documentary’ at the Nordic International Film Festival in the U.S. Knocking, Kempff’s debut feature film, premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the Midnight section. Knocking received fantastic reviews, both in Sweden and internationally. Her latest feature, The Swedish Torpedo (2024), tells the story of Sally Bauer, the second Scandinavian to swim the English Channel. Kempff is the director of the film as well as one of the co-writers.
SUPPORT
This program is supported by the Swedish Film Institute and the Swedish Institute.
