Sasha Nathwani’s feature film debut “Last Swim,” which opens the Generation 14plus competition at the Berlin Film Festival, will be represented for worldwide sales by Indie Sales.
Set over a hot summer day in London as the high-school year is ending, the film follows British-Iranian teen Ziba as she leads her friends on an eventful journey across the city, culminating in a once in a lifetime astronomical event. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, Ziba struggles to retain her characteristic optimism as she finds herself battling the intrusive fears and secrets she’s been hiding from her friends. As day turns to night, Ziba has no choice but to confront the irreversible event she has planned for the end of this last day of untainted adolescence.
The cast is led by Deba Hekmat (“Hoard”) and also includes Narges Rashidi (“Gangs of London”), Solly McLeod (“Tom Jones”), Jay Lycurgo (“Titans”), Denzel Baidoo (“Consent”) and Lydia Fleming (“In from the Cold”).
Nathwani, who is of Iranian and Indian heritage, is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of The Arts. He previously directed several shorts and has extensive commercials and music video credits. He co-wrote the film with Helen Simmons, who produced Venice 2023 title “Hoard” and “Bonus Track.”
“Last Swim” is produced by Campbell Beaton for Pablo & Zeus, Nisha Mullea, Bert Hamelinck and Sorcha Shepherd for Caviar.
The producers said: “We are over the moon to present Sasha’s debut feature ‘Last Swim’ to audiences. Sasha’s unique perspective shines through in a film which showcases his ability and craft in this nuanced telling of Ziba’s story. ‘Last Swim’ is a love letter to vibrant London summers, it’s a story of life defining friendship, first loves and lost youth – showcasing a unique moment in time when everything is about to change. We can’t wait to share this special story with the world and are so excited to have Indie Sales join the ‘Last Swim’ team. Their talent and dedication is evident and we look forward to our collaboration.”
Clément Chautant, head of festivals at Indie Sales, added: “We all fell for this heartwarming film that precisely depicts the last days of youth where everything seems possible, even though something darker is looming. It is exciting for us to collaborate with Sasha who’s talent is evident, especially at a time when a new wave of young directors seems to be emerging from the U.K.”
Indie Sales recently boarded Nathalie Najem’s “No Way Back,” which was showcased at the Unifrance Rendez-Vous.
