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Rashida Jones and Will McCormack’s Documentary Short ‘A Swim Lesson’ Gains Oscar Recognition
Receiving an Oscar nomination is a significant achievement, and for Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, it has special meaning. Their documentary short, A Swim Lesson, was recently shortlisted for the prestigious award. Jones expressed her excitement, noting, “It’s such an honor, mainly because it means more people are gonna see it. Shorts are kind of a category that people find hard to locate; being shortlisted means more will know this name.”
The film centers around Bill Marsh, a renowned swim coach based in Los Angeles. Marsh has developed an innovative eight-day program that has successfully taught hundreds of children how to swim, emphasizing both water safety and essential skills. A Swim Lesson not only touches on the significance of swimming but also conveys deeper insights into resilience, independence, and triumphing over fears. Through a stern yet gentle approach, Marsh assists young children—most of whom are just two years old and initially resistant—to turn their cries into joy as they learn to swim by the end of the program. Marsh’s coaching metaphorically transforms the daunting idea of swimming into conquering a “dragon.”
Jones and McCormack’s inspiration came from witnessing their own sons participate in Marsh’s memorable classes during the pandemic. “One child cried continuously throughout the class, only finding peace when submerged. It was compelling to see how Marsh engaged with him, remaining supportive and never losing faith,” Jones recounted. Both filmmakers found themselves captivated by Marsh’s keen ability to offer insights that transcended swimming lessons, wishing they could have him guide them through life’s challenges as well.
After their initial interest, Marsh eagerly agreed to collaborate on the film project. McCormack reflected on the experience, noting, “We were the first serious filmmakers to sit with him. The historical context of what was happening around us made this film a beacon of hope. After losing my parents, this project felt incredibly important. Marsh’s charismatic presence on film made it a rewarding endeavor.”
Though Jones and McCormack had previously worked together on projects like Celeste and Jesse Forever and Toy Story 4, this was their first venture into co-directing. Both collaborators brought individual strengths to the project, with Jones managing the logistical structure and McCormack focusing on the broader narrative themes. “We share a vision, but our skills differ,” noted McCormack, praising Jones’s editorial fearlessness, which allows for a tighter and more impactful final product.
The duo, along with their esteemed editor Mo Stoebe, decided to minimize parents’ perspectives in the film. Marsh enforces a rule where parents must observe without intervening during the classes—even when their children cry. This approach promotes children’s autonomy and tests their resilience. Jones explained that while moments involving parents were initially included, the decision was made to adhere to Marsh’s philosophy of keeping the focus on the children’s internal experience and point of view.
“It was important to reflect Marsh’s intention. Insight into the parents’ thoughts felt like a deviation from the film’s vision,” Jones stated. They acknowledged the emotional complexity of parents watching their children struggle and how that dynamic contributes to the overall lesson—that not every experience needs to be cushioned and that perseverance is vital.
McCormack added, “Learning to swim and navigating life’s challenges are interconnected. Marsh’s philosophy mirrors parenting and many aspects of life—we don’t always feel great, but we push through. It’s about providing support while allowing children the space to face their barriers.”
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