Naomie Harris to Narrate ‘Swim Sistas’ Documentary on Swimming
British actress Naomie Harris has been announced as the narrator of “Swim Sistas,” a documentary looking at the relationship between Black women and swimming.
The film will be directed by filmmaker Catherine Joy White, according to an exclusive report by Variety. It will feature the stories of four Black women from Britain: Olympic swimmer Alice Dearing, professional rugby player Jasmine Boatswain, athlete Lexi Sandiford and Roni Bruno, who learned how to swim at age 54.
The film blends originally poetry written by White with stories of the women’s aquatic journeys. It seeks “a heartfelt exploration of visibility, community and reclamation” that isn’t often depicted on film.
The film will be produced by Candid Broads Productions’ Oriane Pick and Anais Ferrato, with executive producers Afua Hirsch of Born in Me Productions and Amandla Crichlow. White is working under her company, Kusini Productions. It was filmed at Penshurst Place, a historic house in Kent.
“It was an honour to be a part of ‘Swim Sistas,’” Dearing said. “Catherine is such an incredible storyteller and her passion for swimming has led to the most beautiful and impactful projects. To have my story told alongside three other beautiful black women was an opportunity which I will cherish forever.”
“Working with Catherine Joy White on ‘Swim Sistas’ has been an inspiring collaboration rooted in shared purpose and creative power,” Hirsch said. “At Born In Me Productions, we are passionate about telling stories that reflect the richness and complexity of Black women’s experiences — and this film does exactly that. Catherine brings such vision, courage, and authenticity to her work, and ‘Swim Sistas’ is a testament to what happens when we create space for joy, freedom, and community on our own terms.”
Dearing, 28, represented Great Britain at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She retired from competitive swimming in 2024.
Harris was nominated for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe for her role in the 2016 film Moonlight, among many other film appearances.
