The awe-inspiring journey of endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh as he attempts to become the first person to swim beneath Antarctica's ice sheet.
A documentary film by Anastasia Fetisov.
Frozen Waters chronicles the awe-inspiring journey of endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh as he attempts to become the first person to swim beneath Antarctica's ice sheet. In this historic feat, Pugh swims 1 kilometre through subglacial rivers, navigating icy tunnels and freezing waters, all while advocating for the protection of the planet’s oceans. The documentary captures not only the physical challenge but also the urgent environmental message behind his swim, highlighting the delicate balance of Antarctica’s ecosystem and the global consequences of climate change. Through Frozen Waters, Pugh’s mission for marine conservation comes to life, urging world leaders to act before it’s too late. The film is a powerful call to action, showing the connection between human resilience and environmental preservation.
Photograph by Kelvin Trautman
“I swim to remind people of what we need to protect.”
Anastasia Fetisov
Director
Anastasia Fetisov is a Russian-American filmmaker and the daughter of Vyacheslav "Slava" Fetisov, the legendary former Soviet and NHL hockey player. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Directing and Screenwriting from New York University’s prestigious Graduate Film program at the Maurice Kanbar Institute of Film and Television—an intensive three-year conservatory focused on honing cinematic storytelling and cultivating the distinct narrative voices of writer/directors. Anastasia has produced a range of impactful projects, including Red Army (2014), where she served as executive producer on the acclaimed documentary chronicling the Soviet Union’s national ice hockey team, featuring personal insights from her father. In 2016, she produced and appeared alongside him in ESPN’s Of Miracles and Men, offering a rare Soviet perspective on the iconic 1980 “Miracle on Ice” game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Continuing her commitment to powerful, purpose-driven storytelling, Anastasia directed and shot Frozen Waters, a compelling documentary created in close collaboration with endurance swimmer and environmental advocate Lewis Pugh. The film follows Pugh’s historic swim beneath Antarctica’s ice sheet and shines a spotlight on his urgent mission to protect the world’s oceans through the 30×30 campaign led by the Lewis Pugh Foundation.
Lewis Pugh
Athlete, Patron of the Oceans
An ocean advocate and a pioneer swimmer, Lewis Pugh is a leading figure in efforts to protect the oceans. He was the first person to complete a long-distance swim in every ocean of the world and has pioneered more swims around famous landmarks than any other person in history. Through his athletic feats, he highlights the melting of the Arctic sea ice and draws attention to the melting glaciers in the Himalayas and the impact the reduced water supply will have on world peace. His tireless efforts have earned him South Africa and France’s highest honours and international recognition.
Learn more about Lewis Pugh here.
