A South African short film has made headlines on the world stage, winning Gold at the prestigious 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), celebrated on World Ocean Day, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Titled Caleb: Beyond the Bite, this conservation film, produced by Wildtrust in collaboration with Love Africa Marketing, was released just a year ago but has already garnered significant acclaim, making it the fourth festival to recognise its compelling narrative.
With over 450 entries from around the globe, the ITFFA culminated in a glamorous red carpet event held at the Hotel Sky in Sandton, Johannesburg. The award signifies not just artistic brilliance but also a powerful message about ocean conservation that resonated with judges and audiences alike.
‘This film was truly inspirational, It delivered a very strong and necessary message that resonated deeply with our judges and attendees of the film festival,’ remarked ITFFA Festival Organiser Caroline Ungersbock.
At the heart of Caleb: Beyond the Bite is para-athlete, actor, and shark bite survivor Caleb Swanepoel. The film chronicles his emotional return to the ocean, a poignant journey where he once again swims with sharks, the very species that changed his life irreversibly in 2015.
More than just a wildlife film, it explores a deeply human narrative that challenges public fears surrounding sharks while underscoring their essential role in South Africa’s marine ecosystem.
‘I’m incredibly excited that the film has been recognised at the ITFFA Awards, It means so much that more people around the world will now get to see the film and hopefully connect with its message. Being part of the project and a team that’s having an impact and changing the narrative around sharks is a real privilege,’ said Swanepoel.
Released as part of Wildtrust’s Sharks Under Attack campaign, Caleb: Beyond the Bite aims to elevate awareness about the urgent need for shark and ray conservation in South African waters.
The narrative not only illuminates the emotional journey of personal transformation but also highlights the critical impact of public perception on species survival.
With South Africa being a hotspot for shark and ray diversity, hosting approximately 200 species, many of which are endemic and facing threats from habitat loss and overfishing, the film serves as a clarion call. It advocates for the protection of these often-misunderstood creatures through empathy and education, ultimately encouraging policy change.
‘Caleb gives me hope for shark conservation, If he can shift his perspective on sharks after such a traumatic experience, then there is hope for all of us to do the same,’ stated Wildtrust shark scientist Leigh de Necker, who appears alongside Swanepoel in the film.
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Picture: Devin Trull / Supplied
