Newquay Cinema to Screen Film About Sewage Campaigner Jo Bateman

Imagine being told you can’t swim in your local sea because of sewage. That’s the story behind a film coming to Newquay next week, and it lands at the same moment 100 residents and business owners in the town have signed up to take South West Water to court.

The Lighthouse Cinema will host a special screening of Jo in the Water on Wednesday 13th May at 7pm, followed by a live Q&A. Tickets are available through WTW Cinemas.

One Swimmer, One Legal Fight

The film follows Jo Bateman, a keen cold-water swimmer who moved to Exmouth and swam in the sea every day, until constant sewage alerts forced her to cancel more and more sessions. Rather than accept it, Jo decided to take South West Water to court for damages.

Jo describes the legal route as “the only option open to me”, though she insists “it’s not about the money” but about holding a polluting company to account and defending her right to swim.

Wildlife TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham praised her stance, saying: “Jo inspires people… they realise that together we have a greater strength. In a shoal like this we become mighty.”

Why It Matters in Newquay

Though the film is largely set in Exmouth, the issues will feel familiar to anyone who uses the water around Newquay. Fistral beach and the Gannel Estuary have both been hit hard by sewage discharges in recent years, with more than 162 hours of sewage discharges recorded at Fistral alone in 2025.

The screening, hosted by local volunteer campaign group Clean Sea Newquay, will be followed by a Q&A featuring Jo, the film’s director, and multi-time UK longboard surfing champion Beth Leighfield, who will discuss the impact sewage pollution has had on the surfing community.

100 Locals Join Mass Legal Claim

The screening comes as 100 Newquay residents and business owners have signed up to a mass group legal claim against South West Water over sewage dumping.

The claim is seeking compensation for those affected, alongside a court order that would force South West Water to greatly reduce sewage discharges at Fistral beach, the Gannel Estuary and Crantock beach.

The film has been described as “an inspiration for anyone who loves the water.” For those wanting to attend, tickets can be booked here.