LAST SWIM
LAST SWIM
A coming-of-age story told in both English and Farsi. It follows Ziba, an ambitious and sharp London resident, as she revels in her free time between completing her exams and starting university. However, her peace and relaxation are disrupted by the nagging vision of unfulfilled dreams. The film has garnered two awards at the Berlinale.
The film by Sasha Nathwani, a London-born director with Iranian roots, won the Crystal Bear for best feature film in the Generation 14plus section of this year's Berlinale and was also included in the BFI London Film Festival's debuts competition.
Ziba, a talented and ambitious teenager living in London, has just passed her A-levels. She dreams of pursuing her passion for astrophysics and expanding her horizons, yet her private life is overshadowed by a secret she’s been hiding from her friends. It's with them that she spends the moment of receiving her exam results.
Reminiscent of early Xavier Dolan films, we follow an ethereal day in the lives of these young people, unfolding on the streets of London. In the rhythm of music, carefree moments, playfulness, and existential conversations, we witness a poignant coming-of-age story about individuals who know they are no longer children, yet feel a deep fear of the looming responsibilities and choices of adulthood. It's a raw and authentic portrayal of the dilemmas facing young adults who, at this stage in life, have no clear sense of where to go next, what decisions to make, or what to do with their futures.
In the end, it's also a story about giving each other support, honesty and closeness in a group of friendly people, even if ordinary everyday life has driven them apart. The lead role is played by Deba Hekmat, also known to Polish audiences from Luna Carmoon's debut HOARD, presented in the program of the HIGH SEASON section of the British Film Festival.
Dorota Reksińska
