The Swimmers is a 2022 biographical sports drama directed by Sally El Hosaini that follows real-life Syrian sisters Nathalie Issa (as Yusra) and Manal Issa (as Sarah) as they flee war-torn Syria, famously swimming alongside a sinking refugee dinghy to save 18 people before Yusra competes in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2022, and became a global hit on Netflix after its November 23 release, earning a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film and ranking in the top 10 across 85 countries. During production, the lead actresses learned to swim for their roles, and filming took place in the UK, Belgium, and Turkey, overcoming a COVID-19 suspension before starting in April 2021. Notably, Manal Issa later criticized the film for orientalism and for not casting more Syrian actors, while director El Hosaini defended the production's duty of care and commitment to authentic refugee storytelling. Ultimately, the film highlights Yusra's message that her journey is a voice for millions of refugees, blending harrowing real-life heroism with an Olympic dream.