GOAL

We are now aiming to raise the next $10,000 to support the post-production, impact campaign, and distribution of Guardians of the African Seaforest.

Following an extensive development process and the completion of the main phase of production, the documentary has now entered its next crucial stage.

Thanks to the generous support received through this GoFundMe, alongside the Ocean Culture Storytelling Grant 2026, we were able to make significant progress and capture the core of the film.

Now, it is time to bring that footage to life, shape the final story, and begin positioning the documentary so it can reach the audiences and communities it was created for.

Along the coastline of Cape Town lies the Great African Seaforest, one of the world's most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Beneath the surface, towering kelp forests shelter extraordinary marine life found nowhere else on Earth. Yet despite its global significance, this underwater world remains unfamiliar to many South Africans, shaped by generations of unequal access, inherited fears, and historical exclusion.

Guardians of the African Seaforest follows two people connected by the same ecosystem, but at very different stages of their relationship with it.

Marine scientist and communicator Mark Fitzgibbon spends his days exploring the kelp forest, studying its wildlife, and sharing its stories. Yet his own journey began with fear. Through patience, mentorship, and his first experiences beneath the surface, that fear gave way to curiosity, leading him to a life in marine conservation.

Now, Mark guides Zoë Tobias, an emerging ocean advocate whose connection to the marine world has, until recently, existed through research rather than experience. Taking the audience along with them, they explore tidal pools, descend through towering kelp forests, and encounter the remarkable life hidden beneath the surface.

As their journeys unfold, the film asks a larger question: who gets to feel that the ocean belongs to them? Through the perspectives of scientists, educators, families, and ocean advocates, Guardians of the African Seaforest explores how South Africa's history continues to shape people's relationship with the ocean, while celebrating a growing movement making it more accessible to all.

Through Mark and Zoë's journey, the film offers a hopeful vision for the future. Showing that inherited fear and exclusion need not define the next generation of ocean guardians. But when given the opportunity to experience the ocean, they are empowered to protect it and inspire others to do the same.

Through this story, we hope to highlight the need to create more access within the marine space, where different lived experiences and backgrounds are recognised, valued, and reflected, and where ocean stories and protection can be amplified by ocean guardians from all backgrounds.

All while celebrating the beauty and biodiversity of our incredible Great African Seaforest.

TIMELINE

We have completed the development stage and the main phase of production, giving us a clear visual direction for the film.

We are now laying the foundations for the edit by transcribing, organising, and logging all of the footage and interviews. The next steps are to create the paper edit, shape the final story, and move into full post-production.

Alongside post-production, we are connecting with relevant conservation, education, community, and industry partners. By involving the right collaborators early, we can develop a meaningful impact campaign and ensure the film reaches various audiences, communities, and spaces.

Our goal is to complete the film and develop its impact strategy in time to begin distribution from June 2027. The impact campaign will include local and educational screenings, helping the film reach the communities and audiences at the heart of its message.

TEAM

JAMIE-LEIGH CLARK & RÁCHELLE-JEAN STEENBERG

Directors & Producers

As co-directors, Jamie Leigh Clark and Ráchelle-Jean Steenberg bring together complementary perspectives shaped by conservation, visual storytelling, and a shared belief that the ocean should be a place where everyone feels they belong. Jamie's work in marine conservation and youth engagement, alongside Ráchelle's background in storytelling and visual narratives, forms the foundation of Guardians of the African Seaforest, a character-driven film exploring belonging, mentorship, and our connection to the ocean through authentic, human-centered storytelling.

SHAMIER MAGMOET

Underwater cinematographer and DOP

Shamier Magmoet is an award-winning underwater filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer from the Cape Flats in Cape Town. After discovering the ocean later in life, he dedicated his work to ocean conservation, youth engagement, and amplifying marginalised voices. Inspired by the freedom of freediving, he co-founded Sea The Bigger Picture, an NGO that connects young people with the ocean through education, beach clean-ups, and access programmes.

His short film Rise From The Cape Flats shares his personal journey alongside Cape Town’s vibrant marine life. As Cape Town’s first underwater filmmaker of colour, his work has been recognised internationally and screened at film festivals around the world.

Shamier combines personal storytelling, conservation messaging, and underwater cinematography to ensure authentic and diverse perspectives remain central to the filmmaking process. His guidance and mentorship have played a crucial role in the development of Guardians of the African Seaforest.

JAY CABOZ

On-land DOP & Cinematographer

Jay Caboz is a South African photographer and cinematographer based in Cape Town whose work explores the dramatic landscapes and shifting atmospheres of the African continent.

With more than two decades of editorial experience, Caboz has worked with leading publications including Business Insider South Africa, Forbes Africa, and Getaway.

His storytelling has taken him across the continent, from remote wilderness regions to the rugged coastlines and mountains of the Western Cape. In recognition of his work, he received a CNN Journalist of the Year award and a runner up in the 15th Epson International Pano Awards in 2024.

Often working in challenging conditions, Caboz seeks out the moments many people miss.

XOLISANI "ZEECK" KHUMALO

On-land cinematographer and DOP

With nine years of experience behind the camera, Zeeck has worked as Director of Photography on three documentaries and as a camera operator and assistant camera across numerous documentaries, short films, commercials, and television productions. He currently works on daytime television and game shows, bringing a broad range of technical and creative experience to every set.

Zeeck is especially drawn to the quiet, honest moments that reveal the heart of a story. His thoughtful and observant approach helps create images that feel natural, intimate, and emotionally grounded.

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.

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.