The ocean has a way of capturing the imagination, but telling its stories in a way that inspires action is a rare skill. The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has achieved exactly that, with two of its documentary productions earning international recognition at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA).
The Foundation’s documentary Wild Waterfront received Gold, while Raggies: A Shark Release was awarded Silver in the Documentary TV and Web category. The accolades celebrate not only exceptional filmmaking but also the power of storytelling to connect people with the natural world.
Celebrating Conservation Through Film
Established in 2019, the International Tourism Film Festival Africa is recognised as a leading platform showcasing excellence and innovation in tourism and travel-related video content from around the globe.
Both award-winning films were produced by filmmakers Marguerite Venter and Jerome Stationway of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Ocean Campus Studios.
For Venter, the recognition is about more than filmmaking.
“It’s a privilege to tell the stories of a field I know so well and have been part of for 20 years. But more importantly, the privilege is in highlighting the people who dedicate their lives to conservation,” she said.
Revealing a Hidden World at the Waterfront
Supported by the City of Cape Town Film Fund, Wild Waterfront shines a spotlight on the Marine Wildlife Management team operating within the V&A Waterfront.
The documentary explores the relationship between wildlife and the people who work to protect it in one of South Africa’s busiest tourism destinations. By weaving together stories of marine animals and conservation professionals, the film highlights the challenges and rewards of managing wildlife in an urban environment.
The documentary also offers audiences a glimpse into a side of the V&A Waterfront that many visitors never see.
According to Venter, the film reveals a hidden world that exists behind the scenes of a destination visited by millions of people each year. Through its storytelling, Wild Waterfront promotes a deeper understanding of urban ecosystems and the importance of coexistence between people and wildlife.
Changing Perceptions of Sharks
While Wild Waterfront focuses on urban conservation, Raggies: A Shark Release takes viewers into the world of shark conservation.
Produced with the support of Sharks Conservation and Research (SCAR), the documentary follows the release of a ragged-tooth shark, commonly known in South Africa as a “raggie”.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the few aquariums in the world that collects, cares for, and ultimately releases ragged-tooth sharks back into the ocean. The film documents one such release during 2025, showcasing the scientific expertise, planning, and collaboration required to make the process possible.
Through interviews with shark specialists and conservationists, the documentary challenges common misconceptions about sharks and presents them as vulnerable animals deserving of protection and understanding.
Inspiring Future Ocean Guardians
The success of both films reflects the collaborative efforts of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, its partners, contributors, and supporters.
More importantly, the awards highlight the growing role that documentary filmmaking plays in conservation education and environmental awareness. Through Ocean Campus Studios, the Foundation continues to share stories that deepen public connections with the ocean and inspire positive action for its protection.
For audiences, these award-winning productions offer more than compelling viewing. They provide a reminder that some of the most extraordinary conservation stories are unfolding right on South Africa’s doorstep.
