Project Detail

The Ponds

Synopsis

In a world of constant flux and chaos, it’s almost a shock to discover some experiences remain unchanged, natural, primitive even.
In the middle of London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland and wildlife, plus three unique, gender-segregated swimming ponds. People take the waters in them all year round, just as they did in the time of Keats and Constable.
Capturing all the beauty of the English seasons, Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith filmed the swimmers over 12 months as they shivered, laughed, complained, ruminated, philosophised or simply sought respite from all that life threw at them.
THE PONDS is a heart-warming celebration of eccentricity and sheer bloody-mindedness as these unusual people, united by a shared passion, meet to take on whatever the weather… and life… throws at them.

Details

Year
2018
Type of project
Features
Running time
74 min
Format
HD 1080p PAL
Director
Patrick McLennan, Samuel Smith 1st Feature
Producer
Patrick McLennan, Samuel Smith
Executive Producer
Christopher Hird
Editor
Samuel Smith
Screenwriter
Patrick McLennan
Director of Photography
Samuel Smith
Sound
Jasper Thorn
Composer
Dai Watts
Film Colourist
Paul Koren

Categories

Production Status

Production Company

Laser Guided Productions Ltd.

Patrick McLennan
Flat 2, 61 Maygrove Road
London
NW6 2EE

Sales Company

Silvia Angrisani,

Aquatic Films
Unit 10, Southbrook Mews
Southbrook Road
Lee, London SE12 8LG
United Kingdom
m: +33 6 76 57 09 90
e: silvia@aquaticfilms.net
w: http://www.aquaticfilms.net/

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