The annual Hermanus Whale Festival once again drew crowds of more than 130,000 visitors, but this year it wasn’t just the southern right whales making waves. Festival-goers were treated to a unique blend of nature, technology, and storytelling, creating an immersive experience that celebrated both the ocean and innovation.
Screens That Tell a Story
Recognising the power of visuals, festival organisers partnered with Hisense South Africa, who came on board as the official audio-visual sponsor. With large-scale Hisense screens and top-quality equipment, the event showcased educational documentaries and short films that highlighted the beauty of South Africa’s oceans and the urgent need to protect them.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
In addition to sponsoring the event, Hisense donated R55,000 worth of technology to the Hermanus Whale Festival NPC. The handover, attended by Overstrand Mayor Archie Klaas and Festival Director Jeanette du Toit, included televisions, audio equipment, and appliances. These will continue to serve the community by supporting marine education and conservation initiatives long after the festival.
The Hisense Nature Cinema
A highlight of the weekend was the Hisense SA Nature Cinema at the Whale Museum on Market Square. It featured short films by Triggerfish Animation Studios, celebrating the ocean and South Africa’s natural heritage. The cinema provided a space for visitors to connect with the theme of marine conservation through creative storytelling.
Cleaning Up Beyond the Screens
Technology wasn’t Hisense’s only contribution. Their dedicated Eco Team worked tirelessly to clear and appropriately recycle all waste and plastic from nearby beaches and festival roads, reinforcing the eco-marine ethos of the festival.
More Than Just Entertainment
As the world’s only eco-marine festival, the Hermanus Whale Festival is a global showcase for how entertainment and education can work hand in hand. Hisense’s involvement underscored their belief that technology can do more than entertain — it can educate, inspire, and protect.
“Our hope is that our technology, and donation, will continue to empower education and conservation initiatives that protect our marine wildlife, while inspiring future generations to do the same during their lifetimes,” said Alex Chen, Hisense SA’s Brand Marketing Manager.
Where Innovation Meets Conservation
From whale sightings to nature films, this year’s festival proved that when innovation meets conservation, the results are unforgettable. The Hermanus Whale Festival didn’t just celebrate the return of the whales — it highlighted the role technology can play in protecting our oceans for generations to come.
