Kim Swims

What some people might find terrifying or crazy, New Zealand open-water swimmer Kim Chambers finds electric and pure. Relatively new to marathon swimming, Kim is determined to cross the treacherous 30 miles from the shark-infested Farallon Islands to the Golden Gate Bridge in the frigid San Francisco Bay. Kim Swims depicts her journey across the water and the months leading up to one of the most challenging swims in the world. Only four men have made the journey and Kim, for very personal reasons, wants to be the first woman. Directed by Kate Webber with intimacy and spirit, this documentary explores the limits of our bodies and why we push ourselves to reach beyond them. As Kim's story unfolds before our eyes, her self-awareness draws us close and we cannot help but cheer her on as, stroke by stroke, she powers toward her story's suspenseful conclusion. (Mill Valley Film Festival)