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The new documentary short film “A Film Called Blacks Can't Swim,” directed by award winning filmmaker Mysterex (MO-AM), is creating a huge on a global scale from both swimmers and non-swimmers.

We are pleased to present a great new humorous tongue-in-cheek but also educational independent short film which aims to delve into the myth that blacks can't swim and also at the same time inspire more minorities to take up swimming as an important like skill and sports activity for young and also more mature people. This film is creating a huge debate and receiving support from the wider swimming fraternity who also recognise the lack of minorities indulging in the world of swimmers, there are also a similar issue in America and the rest of the world. When African-American swimmer Simone Manuel won a 2016 Olympic Gold Medal she inspired a new generation of minority swimmers in America so the myth that 'Blacks Can't Swim' is exactly that a myth; but where does this rumour originate from?

The fact is here in the UK there is a dearth of people actively swimming from the wider BME communities, especially in the black community as pointed out by national statistics.

Plot:

Ed Accura (Frank Awuah) is a black British man who after watching an upsetting news report on bad weather and flooding, develops an acute phobia with water. His anxiety with not being able to swim and irrational fears of drowning pushes him into buying a life jacket which he wears everywhere he goes. Ed is torn between his friends who try and encourage him to learn how to swim and society who dramatically dampen his confidence with stereotypes on black people and their inability to swim. The film combines acting with real interview footage of various members of the community voicing their thoughts on the subject.

The Objective:

This is to get as many people, both swimmers and non-swimmers watching the film and spreading the awareness. Through this medium we hope to encourage people to confront their fears, whilst addressing the stereotypes and dispelling the myths that have existed for so many years.

“A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim” is about my personal journey, fears and anxiety with swimming. The film depicts the effects of the stigma, stereotypes and myths and also highlights the views of various people in my community. Let's help eradicate the negative views associated with black people and swimming as well as encouraging more people to learn to swim thus reducing the number of deaths by drowning.