EEN DIP NAAR KALMTE

An ethnographic short film by Jeanne Caucheteux, Roxanne Hendrix and Thomas Schönberger, made in collaboration with the cold-swimming community of Zoeterwoude (Leiden, Netherlands) in 2023.

"Een Dip naar Kalmte" (A dip to Serenity) explores the transformative journey of Jos Kerkvliet in the form of a day-in-life portrait, which becomes part of a bigger picture.

Jos has found relief from his autoimmune disease through the practice of cold-water swimming and ice baths. This immersive documentary film invites viewers to experience Jos' world through the rhythm of water and his own perspective—captured firsthand with a GoPro in the icy depths.

By weaving together intimate footage and the collective energy of the cold-swimming community, the film highlights the profound physical and mental benefits of this practice, offering a compelling look at resilience, healing, and the power of human connection.

Furthermore, our research also explores an often overlooked aspect of cold therapy: its social dimension. Through participant observation and co-creation, we examined how cold swimming fosters a strong sense of community. The shared experience of overcoming the physical and mental challenge of the cold creates deep social bonds, reinforcing trust, resilience, and collective motivation. This communal aspect of cold exposure contributes to emotional well-being, making it more than just a personal health practice — it becomes a social ritual of support and connection.