Friday, August 22, 2025, 8:00 pm, classic-editor
The Dolphins is a heartfelt documentary exploring the history and impact of one of San Francisco’s most iconic institutions: the Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club.The film centers on a group of longtime female members, who have been swimming in the Bay’s frigid waters daily for decades. Without wetsuits, fanfare, or ego, these women embody a rare relationship with the natural world: one built on endurance, reverence, and deep personal connection. Their stories unfold against the dramatic backdrop of the San Francisco Bay, where water, weather, and tide are as central as the people themselves.
The Dolphins is an observational and atmospheric documentary that captures not only the physical act of swimming, but also the emotional rhythms of routine and ritual in wild places. It’s a portrait of community forged in cold water. With stunning cinematography of San Francisco’s coastline and rare archival material, The Dolphins is not only a tribute to its subjects but also a love letter to the city itself.