Event Details
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Time: 18:00 (6:00 PM)
Venue: Jerusalem Cinematheque 2
Tickets: 20 NIS | Members: Free Entry
In a remarkable convergence of film, diplomacy, and women’s leadership, the Consulate of Sweden in Jerusalem, The 49%, and the Jerusalem Cinematheque are partnering to present a special screening of The Swedish Torpedo (directed by Frida Kempff). This inspiring evening celebrates the power of women who refuse to be limited by their time, bringing together leaders from sports, diplomacy, and advocacy to explore themes of courage, resilience, and determination.
The Film: A Powerful True Story
The Swedish Torpedo (Sweden 2024)
Set in the summer of 1939, on the brink of World War II, The Swedish Torpedo tells the extraordinary true story of Sally Bauer, a 30-year-old single mother who attempted the unthinkable: becoming the first Scandinavian woman to swim the English Channel. Battling icy waters, societal expectations, family pressure, and the threat of losing custody of her son, Sally embarks on a journey of endurance and self-determination that transcends sport.
Runtime: 120 minutes
Languages: Swedish, Danish, English
Subtitles: Hebrew, English
Director: Frida Kempff
Starring: Josefin Neldén, Mikkel Boe Følsgaard
More than a sports drama, director Frida Kempff transforms this remarkable true story into a universal portrait of women striving to balance love, responsibility, and seemingly impossible dreams. Anchored by a nuanced and powerful performance from Josefin Neldén, The Swedish Torpedo is a moving period drama that transforms a historic achievement into an immersive story full of tension, sentiment, and inspiration.
The Swedish Torpedo is a powerful meditation on courage, resilience, and the quiet force of women who refuse to be limited by their time.
— Paula Kweskin, Director of The 49%
Event Program
The evening will open with greetings and remarks from distinguished leaders:
H.E. Ms. Sophie Belfrage Becker
Consulate General of Sweden in Jerusalem
Paula Kweskin Weiss
Human rights lawyer, filmmaker, and founder of The 49%
Following the screening, a panel discussion will feature:
Mirna Sayeh
Palestinian basketball star of Hapoel Lev Jerusalem – embodying athletic excellence and cross-cultural bridge-building
Justine Zwerling
Sports diplomacy activist and founder of Gulf Israel Women’s Forum – champion of partnership through sports
Themes: Where Film Meets Reality
🏊♀️
Sports Excellence
Celebrating women breaking barriers in athletics
🤝
Diplomacy
Building bridges through cultural exchange
👑
Women’s Leadership
Empowering voices that change the world
💪
Resilience
Overcoming impossible odds with determination
Voices from the Community
Proud to partner with the Consulate of Sweden in Jerusalem, The 49%, and the Jerusalem Cinematheque for a special screening of The Swedish Torpedo. This evening brings together film, diplomacy, and women’s leadership through a remarkable true story.
— Paula Kweskin, Director of The 49%
Giggles and claps 👏 For the Love of Sports, Light, Love, and Partnership! Thrilled to be sharing our journeys and love of sports with Paula Kweskin, The 49%; the inspiration Mirna Sayeh, Palestinian basketball star of Hapoel Lev Jerusalem.
— Justine Zwerling, Founder of Gulf Israel Women’s Forum
🤝 Event Partners & Supporters
Consulate of Sweden in Jerusalem
The 49%
Jerusalem Cinematheque
Project Max
Women Champions for Change (WCC)
Gulf Israel Women’s Forum
Special thanks to Eric Rubin for these connections and meaningful collaboration!
Join Us for This Inspiring Evening
Experience a powerful true story of courage, witness meaningful dialogue, and celebrate women’s leadership across sports, diplomacy, and film.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets: 20 NIS | Members: Free Entry
Why This Event Matters
The Swedish Torpedo screening represents more than just a film event—it’s a celebration of the enduring power of women’s determination across generations. Sally Bauer’s 1939 quest to swim the English Channel mirrors the modern journeys of women like Mirna Sayeh and Justine Zwerling, who continue to break barriers in sports and diplomacy today.
This partnership between Swedish diplomacy, human rights advocacy, and cultural institutions demonstrates how film can serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversation about women’s empowerment, cross-cultural understanding, and the universal human capacity for resilience.
As director Frida Kempff transforms Sally Bauer’s historic achievement into an immersive story full of tension and inspiration, audiences will see reflections of contemporary struggles and triumphs—reminding us that the fight for equality, recognition, and self-determination continues across every generation.
