[IRISH FOCUS] THE SWIMMING DIARIES Susan Thomson Thursday 21st (18.15) Film info: 100 mins, Ireland, 2024, Digital Notes by Sunniva O'Flynn The Swimming Diaries originated as a book, a memoir about swimming and grieving, written by Susan Thomson during the month when her mother was dying. The film translates the book back into watery movement, creating a lush tapestry of choral, orchestral, and pop music, and a vivid mosaic of underwater imagery, dance sequences and video tapes of musicals directed by her mother. The film hovers between experimental documentary and feminist exploration of matrilineal creativity, as it traces a heartfelt journey from life to death. Followed by a Q&A with Susan Thomson.