Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s ‘By Die Soutwater’ Wins Silver at International Tourism Film Festival Africa

15 June, 2025 - Marine Wildlife, Conservation, Foundation, Seals, Press Releases, Our team

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation has proudly clinched a Silver Award at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) for its original documentary By Die Soutwater. The film was honoured in the Wildlife and Conservation (Marine Life) category, standing out among 488 global submissions from 60 countries.

The ITFFA honours global excellence in tourism storytelling. The recognition of By Die Soutwater, a short form documentary directed by Marguerite Venter, Head of Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Productions, highlights the increasing global attention on how tourism intersects with marine wildlife welfare and conservation in the development of the blue economy.

“The ITFFA was a truly unforgettable experience, more than just a conference or film festival. It was a space for meaningful conversations, collaboration and connection with inspiring people from around the world,” said Venter. “We’re deeply honoured to receive this award and thrilled that By die Soutwater stood alongside some of the world’s best tourism films. We look forward to participating again in 2026.”

Set in Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront, one of the city’s most visited destinations with 26 million annual visitors, the documentary follows marine wildlife specialist Claire Taylor and the Cape fur seal work she does with the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Marine Wildlife Management Programme. Their work is to protect Cape fur seals and other marine animals that navigate life in a bustling urban harbour, and to ensure the comfortable cohabitation of humans and wildlife within the V&A Waterfront.

The V&A Waterfront represents a unique convergence of city, sea, tourism, and biodiversity. While the area is a commercial and tourism hub, it’s also home to a surprising array of marine wildlife. This film sheds light on the challenges and rewards of protecting these animals, namely the Cape fur seal, in such a dynamic environment.

“By Die Soutwater reveals a lesser-known side of the Waterfront,” Venter said. “Here, among tourists and tugboats, a dedicated team works daily to prevent harm to marine animals—cutting fishing lines, managing seal-human conflicts, and raising awareness of urban marine life.”

Despite their efforts, the team witnesses suffering caused by human activities but remains committed to creating a more compassionate relationship between people and wildlife.

The V&A Waterfront, often seen as the heart of Cape Town’s blue economy, provides both a habitat for marine species and a powerful platform for public education. Through this film, the Foundation underscores the importance of sustainable tourism practices that support marine life protection.

The recognition from ITFFA marks a significant milestone for the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation, affirming its role in advocating for marine conservation through innovative storytelling. By Die Soutwater not only brings visibility to Cape Town’s urban marine wildlife but also showcases how tourism can play a key role in conservation awareness.

The Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation’s Production team is already working on an exciting new documentary, Wild Waterfront, thanks to the City of Cape Town’s Film Fund. What can be considered a sequel, this long-form documentary will extend the marine conservation narrative of By Die Soutwater. It aims to bring attention to the individual monitors who form the Marine Wildlife Management team of monitors at the V&A Waterfront and the work they do with a variety of urban animals, including seals, sunfish, cape cormorants, and clawless otters.

The team is excited to share their new insights on the Waterfront’s place at the intersection between tourism, conservation and the blue economy. Watch this space, ITFFA 2026 might be in reach.