Two productions by the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation have been recognised at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), with Wild Waterfront taking Gold and Raggies: A Shark Release receiving Silver awards in the Documentary TV and Web category.
The awards celebrate excellence in tourism and travel-related visual storytelling from around the world, spotlighting films that promote destinations, experiences and conservation initiatives through compelling narratives and production.
“It’s a privilege to tell the stories of a field I know so well and have been part of for 20 years,” said Marguerite Venter, head of productions at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. “But more importantly, the privilege is in highlighting the people who dedicate their lives to conservation. Receiving these awards is incredibly humbling and reinforces the importance of telling these stories in a way that honours the people doing this vital work.”
Established in 2019, the ITFFA recognises standout productions across multiple formats and is regarded as a leading platform for tourism film content globally.
Wild Waterfront, produced by the foundation’s Ocean Campus Studio team and supported by the City of Cape Town Film Fund, focuses on the marine wildlife management team at the V&A Waterfront. The documentary highlights the intersection between urban life and marine conservation, revealing the behind-the-scenes work in managing wildlife in one of South Africa’s busiest tourism hubs.
“When I encourage people to watch this film, it's not just because of the inspirational team or a love of urban wildlife,” said Venter. “It’s also because most people don’t know what this team does behind the scenes. Wild Waterfront reveals a magical world that remains hidden from the millions of tourists who visit the V&A Waterfront each year.”
The second award-winning production, Raggies: A Shark Release, was produced in collaboration with Sharks Conservation and Research (SCAR). The film documents the release of a ragged-tooth shark and the scientific and conservation work behind the scenes.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the few aquariums globally involved in the collection, care and release of ragged-tooth sharks—locally known as “raggies”.
“The film follows one such release in 2025, offering an intimate look at the meticulous planning, scientific expertise and collaborative effort required to return one of these misunderstood predators to the ocean,” said co-producer Jerome Stationway of Ocean Campus Studios.
“Through firsthand insight from the people who work with sharks every day, Raggies challenges common misconceptions and reveals a quieter truth: sharks are not mindless killers, but complex, vulnerable animals deserving of care, protection and understanding.”
The foundation said the recognition reflects the strength of collaboration across its teams, partners and supporters, as well as the growing role of film in conservation storytelling and environmental education.
It also reinforces its commitment to producing impactful narratives that connect people more deeply with the ocean and inspire action to protect it.
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