In a world of constant flux and chaos, it’s almost a shock to discover some experiences remain natural, unhurried and unchanged. In the middle of metropolitan London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland, wildlife plus three swimming ponds. People swim in them all year round, whatever the weather, just as they did in the time of Keats and Constable, and the documentary filmed them over 12 months as they swam, laughed, sang, complained, ruminated, philosophised and simply sought respite from all that life threw at them.
The Ponds is a feature-length documentary which show a unique aquatic settings in the UK in 2019.
According to one of the swimmers, Russians have an expression that captures the ponds’ appeal. ‘Zhivaya voda’ literally means ‘living water’ – the idea that everyone who swims in a body of water contributes to its essence. For the daily swimmers the act of getting into the cold water of the ponds brings about a feeling of freedom from the stresses of life, a sense of connection with nature and other swimmers, and a euphoric and so powerful sensation.
