From swimming champion to Hollywood starlet, Esther Williams was arguably one of the most recognizable actresses of the 1940s, 50s, and 60s yet her story has been all but forgotten. She broke down barriers, persevered through tragedies, and showed a level of strength and self-determination that was rare for a woman of her era. Hollywood’s Mermaid takes a deep dive into the overlooked and under-appreciated career of one of America’s most impressive women.

Director's Statement

I only became aware of Esther Williams about a year ago while doing research for another project. As a film nerd and history buff, I was flabbergasted that I had never heard of Esther before and that there had never been an independent documentary made about her incredible life. Consequently, I decided to develop the Esther Williams documentary that I wanted to see in the world.

Category: Documentary, Festival Alum, Short.
Themes: Biography, Sports.

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