2022 Winners & Shortlists

Write a short summary of what happens in the film

In a region where most women have grown up to feel that swimming is not for them as a result of cultural sensitivities and swimwear that isn't considered appropriate, we wanted to change the perception of water as where women can feel free. The film features 4 iconic women, each known for overcoming personal and social barriers and proving that they are all more beyond the surface. We started with an anthemic poem written by Asma Elbawadi, a social activist famous for changing the rules of international basketball to allow athletes to wear hijabs. Over the poem narrated in her own voice, we see the four women embracing water and finding their freedom with adidas's new inclusive full-cover swimwear.

Cultural / Context information for the jury

Driven by the belief that sport belongs to all, adidas began a movement of change to ensure that everyone had access to performance wear. The range is designed to support the needs of those who find the category offers limited choice when it comes to swimwear. The Beyond the Surface campaign, part of Watch Us Move - adidas’ broader initiative to create more space for women in sport - celebrates the power of water and its ability to defy restrictions, bring renewal and accept everyone unconditionally.

Tell the jury about the casting process.

We wanted each of the women in the film to have inspired others in the real world and experienced what the film was about in their personal lives . The search led us to four iconic women who embodied the sentiments of the whole region. 1) Asma Elbadawi - An athlete and activist known for being instrumental in changing the rules of internal basketball to allow female athletes to play wearing a hijab. 2) Dareen Barbar - A Guinness world record-holding athlete who turned to swimming as a way of continuing her passion for sports after she was amputated. In water, she could do everything she couldn't otherwise. 3) Queen - A north African amateur swimmer who overcame social perceptions at a much later age in life and learned how to swim. 4) Lubia - A body positivity advocate who empowers other women to find the same confidence as her.