From March 5th to 9th 2009, 142 filmmaking teams from 15 different countries tried to shoot, edit and coplete a short non-fiction film as part of the International Documentary Challenge.

One team entered from Ireland, Leticia Agudo, Aoibheann O’Sullivan and Paul McGrath.

They chose to make a historical film about the beguiling, sometimes dangerous, bathing pace in the Irish sea; and the irresistible attraction it poses to the groups of mostly older Irish locals who have been going there to bathe almost everyday for years. They discover a group of fascinating and fearless people!

“Forty Foot” tells the history of the place through the personal stories and characteristics of the featured swimmers. More than a film about them braving the elements everyday, this is a film about having a great and surprising spirit in the face of aging, death and economic hardship. It shows a classless section of older Irish nationals in a refreshing, encouraging and a completely unknown light to foreign eyes.

Forty Foot won "The Doc Challenge"