A FILM telling the story of the first British woman to swim the channel has extended its stay at a Bournemouth cinema due to demand.

Independent film Vindication Swim was released on International Women’s Day and dives into the life of Mercedes Gleitze.

Directed by award-winning 23-year-old director Elliott Hasler, the film tells the story of Mercedes, who became the first British woman to complete the feat in 1927.

However, a rival came forward claiming to have accomplished the same swim, forcing Mercedes to retain her record and her legacy.

The film is currently screening at the Bournemouth Odeon, and has just been extended due to demand.

Bournemouth Echo:

Elliott Hasler told the Daily Echo: “The response we’ve had has been absolutely incredible.

“We broke the top 20 at the UK box office on release and we’ve had the Vindication Swim play at over 100 cinemas across the UK, Ireland and Malta.

“For an independent film like this, the scope and success of this release is almost unheard of. I think the success of the film all comes back to the story of Mercedes Gleitze.

“Her ability to inspire audiences has really been something incredibly special to witness. This is such an inspirational story and one that I think speaks a lot to the generation today about perseverance, resilience and battling the establishment successfully.

“There is not better to way to witness that journey than up on the big screen.”