The Swimmers (2022) – Filming Locations
Drama / History · Directed by Sally El Hosaini · Starring Matthias Schweighöfer, Nathalie Issa
From war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a risky voyage, putting their hearts and their swimming skills to heroic use.
Where was The Swimmers filmed?
- Berlin, Germany, Berlin – Opening scenes showing the Syrian family's life before the war. The film opens in Berlin where the family lived before fleeing Syria, establishing their pre-displacement life
- Damascus, Syria, Damascus – Flashback scenes of the family's life in Syria before the civil war. Scenes depicting the family's childhood and swimming pursuits in their homeland before displacement
- Budapest, Hungary, Budapest – The brothers training and swimming in Budapest's pools and the Danube. Central European location where the refugee brothers attempt to train and pursue competitive swimming
- Istanbul, Turkey, Istanbul – Scenes of the brothers in transit through Istanbul as Syrian refugees. Key transit location showing the refugee journey as the brothers attempt to reach Europe
- Greece, Athens – Scenes of the dangerous sea crossing journey to Europe. Mediterranean locations depicting the perilous refugee boat journey central to the narrative
- Italy, Rome – Arrival and early scenes of the brothers reaching safety in Italy. Represents the brothers' successful arrival in Europe after their treacherous Mediterranean crossing