City Swimmers (2006)

City Swimmers was made by filmmakers who are also swimmers and is a lively insiders' account of a campaign for the right to swim. The story starts on Hampstead Heath. Here, near the center of London, are three ponds where people swim - one for women, one for men and one for mixed bathing. In 2004 a proposal to restrict or ban swimming sparked an explosion of public anger. Protesters were pitted against the ancient and secretive Corporation of the City of London which has managed the Heath since 1989. The campaign attracted widespread support because many people not directly affected saw the local dispute as a part of a wider struggle - about the future of city life, the value of public resources, and the limits of commercialization.