Guardians of the African Seaforest Documentary

GOAL

We are currently aiming to raise the first $5,000 to film the first key scenes of Guardians of the African Sea Forest. These initial scenes will serve as the foundation of the film, allowing us to create a compelling teaser trailer that visually captures the essence of the story. With this teaser, we can effectively showcase our vision and apply for additional funding to bring the full documentary to life. Your support at this stage is crucial in setting the groundwork for this important project.

Guardians of the African Sea Forest explores the deep connections between the Great African Sea Forest and South Africa’s people. Set in the thriving kelp forest of False Bay where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, this hub of biodiversity is set as a symbol of resilience, offering shelter and safety to countless species, and a space of non-judgement and vulnerability.

The film follows Mark and Thando, whose lives are deeply intertwined with the kelp forest. Mark, once fearful of the ocean’s unknown, is now an enthusiastic marine scientist and educator with a passion for sharks, finding purpose beneath the waves. Thando, drawing from her heritage, bridges African knowledge and modern conservation efforts, advocating for a more inclusive approach to protecting marine ecosystems. Through their eyes, viewers are immersed in the kelp forest’s dynamic world, from shimmering fish darting through its towering fronds to the quiet grace of sharks navigating its depths. As the film looks under the waves, the viewer is introduced to the colourful, quirky and intricate ecosystems protected by the kelp.

Rooted in South Africa's history of colonialism and apartheid, the documentary highlights the exclusion of communities of colour from coastal spaces and the new wave of conservationists reshaping this narrative. It showcases initiatives empowering underrepresented youth to connect with the ocean, fostering the next generation of guardians.

With striking underwater cinematography and intimate storytelling, Guardians of the African Sea Forest invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with the ocean. By blending science, advocacy, and tradition, it inspires hope and action, urging us to protect these environments and preserve the cultural narratives tied to them. This is more than a conservation story—it’s a call to ensure the ocean remains a space for all to cherish and explore.

TIMELINE

We have completed our initial research and are now prepared to begin filming the first scenes of Guardians of the African Sea Forest in February. To make this possible, we are seeking the necessary initial funding.

Following the completion of these first scenes, and with additional funding secured, we plan to film the remainder of the documentary between April and August. Post-production will commence immediately thereafter.

Our goal is to release the film in early 2026, accompanied by an extensive impact campaign. This campaign will include local and educational screenings.

TEAM

JAMIE-LEIGH CLARK

Co-Director

Jamie is a passionate Conservation Ecology student and dedicated marine conservationist. Her love for the ocean began in childhood, fostering a deep commitment to protecting marine life. Based in Cape Town, Jamie is actively involved in youth-led conservation initiatives, including Sea the Bigger Picture and the Defenders of the Blue Youth Programme, where she mentors young minds through hands-on beach education.

Jamie’s dedication to community engagement and education has empowered countless future ocean advocates, emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing in conservation efforts. Her experience working with youth and her passion for storytelling make her an invaluable co-director for Guardians of the African Sea Forest. With her background in marine conservation and ability to inspire and mentor, Jamie brings a unique perspective that ensures the film’s focus on inclusivity, education, and youth-driven conservation will have a lasting impact.

RÁCHELLE-JEAN STEENBERG

Co-director and Producer

Ráchelle is a South African-born online video storyteller and content creator, deeply inspired by travel, wildlife, nature, and conservation. Since August 2021, she has been documenting and sharing her journeys and experiences online, while highlighting conservation projects and entertaining online audiences through immersive storytelling. Her passion for the ocean led her to pursue freediving and scuba diving, deepening her connection with marine environments. After years of producing videos, Ráchelle felt compelled to create more meaningful, in-depth content, focusing on issues like marine conservation and the need for more inclusive storytelling.

During her time in Cape Town, Ráchelle connected with passionate individuals dedicated to making marine spaces more inclusive and equitable. Leveraging her storytelling skills, she found a natural fit in, contributing to conversations around conservation and community-driven efforts.

With extensive experience managing and producing a wide range of videos independently, Ráchelle has honed strong organisational and project management skills.Her ability to coordinate complex workflows and collaborate effectively makes her a valuable co-director and producer for Guardians of the African Sea Forest, blending creative vision with practical expertise to bring impactful storytelling to life.

CALLUM EVANS

Production Assistant and Biodiversity Cinematographer

Callum is a qualified field guide and wildlife researcher who has been capturing South Africa’s wildlife since 2013. With over six years of experience in scuba diving and freediving around the Cape Peninsula’s kelp forests, Callum has developed a deep understanding of the rich biodiversity that thrives beneath the waves. His expertise extends to various marine species, particularly those found in these unique underwater ecosystems. Through his work, Callum has honed his skills in marine cinematography, capturing stunning visuals that highlight the beauty and resilience of South Africa’s marine environments.

His stories and photography have been featured in publications such as GO! Magazine SA and the photography based book "The Ocean Speaks: A photographic journey of discovery and hope".

His dedication to documenting marine life, combined with his technical knowledge and passion for conservation, makes him an invaluable asset to the production.

SHAMIER MAGMOET

Underwater cinematographer and DOP

Shamier Magmoet is a passionate underwater filmmaker and NatGeo Explorer from the Cape Flats in Cape Town, South Africa. After experiencing the ocean only later in life, Shamier has dedicated himself to advocating for ocean conservation, youth engagement, and amplifying marginalised voices. His journey began when he was inspired by the freedom of freediving, and he co-founded Sea The Bigger Picture, an NGO focused on educating youth, organising beach clean-ups, and providing access to the ocean.

Shamier's filmmaking career took off with Rise From The Cape Flats, a powerful short film that captures his personal journey and the vibrant marine life of Cape Town. As the first underwater filmmaker of colour in Cape Town, Shamier has received multiple awards and has had his work showcased at film festivals around the world. He brings an unmatched passion for storytelling and a commitment to representing diverse narratives.

His unique ability to blend personal stories with impactful conservation messaging, combined with his expertise as an underwater cinematographer, ensures that authentic and diverse perspectives are at the forefront of the filmmaking process. His guidance and mentorship during the development of Guardians of the African Sea Forest have been crucial.

MALCOLM RAINIERS

On Land Cinematographer and DOP

Malcolm is a video content creator and aspiring filmmaker with a passion for connecting his city and the world through authentic stories.

With a BA degree in Motion Picture Medium, majoring in cinematography, he has been creating films and videos for the last 10 years. Since 2017, he has run his own company as a solo filmmaker, collaborating with companies, brands, and organizations to produce story-driven video content.

When not working behind the camera or perfecting edits, he dreams of narratives that inspire a shift toward a world where love reigns supreme. His ultimate goal is to build companies that strengthen his nation, produce independent films at his leisure, and maintain an open-minded approach to art in an ever-changing world.

JAMILA JANNA

Cultural Advisor

Jamila is a science communicator, marine biologist, activist and storyteller from Kwa-Zulu Natal. She is dedicated to portraying the ocean's beauty while advocating for its conservation and people. Through her work, and a history of taking an active role in important stakeholder engagements, she now speaks on the paramount importance of engaging communities when it comes to decision-making.

Guardians of the African Sea Forest focuses on the human connection to the kelp forest, guiding the narrative of the key characters is thus crucial in ensuring their stories are portrayed with respect and sensitivity. Recognising the potential for the narrative to unintentionally perpetuate Western perspectives despite its South African roots, therefore integrating a cultural advisor to guide the approach of the filmmaking process is crucial.

For Jamila, this role goes beyond mere representation—it’s about capturing the rich, nuanced complexities of individuals and communities, moving away from stereotypes, and embracing the full diversity of African perspectives. She sees Guardians of the African Sea Forest as a crucial opportunity to celebrate and honour diverse voices and histories, while raising awareness about the urgent need to protect South Africa’s marine ecosystems.