The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation is proud to announce that two of its productions have been recognised at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa. Wild Waterfront received Gold, while Raggies: A Shark Release was awarded Silver in the Documentary TV and Web category.
“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. 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,” said Marguerite Venter, Head of Productions at the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
The International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) is a prestigious platform celebrating excellence and innovation in tourism and travel-related video content from around the world. Established in 2019, the festival recognises outstanding productions across a range of formats and honours the individuals and organisations using visual storytelling to promote destinations, experiences, and conservation initiatives.
Wild Waterfront
Produced by award-winning filmmakers Marguerite Venter and Jerome Stationway of the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Ocean Campus Studio team, and supported by the City of Cape Town Film Fund, Wild Waterfront shines a spotlight on the vital work of the Marine Wildlife Management team at the V&A Waterfront. By intertwining stories of wildlife and the human team, Wild Waterfront sheds light on the challenges and rewards of protecting these animals and seeks to promote a deeper understanding of urban ecosystems and the importance of human-wildlife coexistence.
With the City of Cape Town Film Fund's support of local storytelling, the documentary has reached new audiences while showcasing the unique intersection of marine conservation, biodiversity, and heritage within one of South Africa's most visited destinations.
“When I encourage people to watch this film, it's not just because of the inspirational team or a love of urban wildlife. 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. For many, discovering this world will be remarkable and even a little mind-blowing,” said Marguerite Venter, Director and Producer at Ocean Campus Studios, Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation.
Raggies: A Shark Release
Raggies: A Shark Release was produced with the support of SCAR (Sharks Conservation and Research), whose ongoing work in shark conservation, scientific research, and public education continues to advance understanding and protection of these important marine species.
The film follows the release of a ragged-tooth shark and explores the collaborative efforts that contribute to shark conservation in South Africa. The Two Oceans Aquarium is one of the few aquariums in the world that collects, cares for, and ultimately releases ragged-tooth sharks, which are locally known as “raggies.”
The film documents 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.
“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,” said Jerome Stationway, First Camera Operator/Production Assistant, Ocean Campus Studios.
The recognition received at ITFFA reflects the power of storytelling to inspire deeper connections with the ocean and demonstrates the important role film can play in conservation education, public engagement, and environmental awareness. It also reinforces the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation's commitment to sharing impactful stories that connect people with the ocean and inspire positive action for its protection.
BRAVO CAPE TOWN DOING SO WELL AT ITFFA! Cape Town Tourism won 3 awards and Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation two awards.
WHAT: Gold and Silver at International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA)
WHERE: Two Oceans Aquarium, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
INFO: Two Ocean Aquarium T 27 21 814 4539 | E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | VISIT | see also MapMyWay | see Cape Town Tourism strikes Gold, 3 times over @ International Tourism Film Festival Africa
