Guardians of the African Seaforest
“As marine scientist Mark guides newcomer Zoë into the beautiful and ecologically important Great African Seaforest of South Africa, their journey unravels a story of belonging, representation, and hope for a marine space where everyone can see themselves as part of its future.”
Documentary Film
Guardians of the African Seaforest has so far been made possible through the generosity of funders, partners and an incredible community, with every partnership helping to shape the film.
As we have entered post-production, we welcome collaborators who share our vision, believe in the power of storytelling to connect people with the ocean, and can help bring the film to audiences across South Africa and beyond.
What the film is about.
Along Cape Town’s coastline lies the Great African Seaforest, one of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. Yet for many South Africans, this underwater world still feels distant, shaped by generations of unequal access, inherited fears and historical exclusion.
Guardians of the African Seaforest follows marine scientist and communicator Mark Fitzgibbon and emerging ocean advocate Zoë Tobias as they explore what it means to build a relationship with the ocean. As Mark guides Zoë from tidal pools into the kelp forest, her confidence grows and the ocean becomes a place she can experience for herself.
Through their journey, alongside the voices of scientists, educators, families and ocean advocates, the film asks: who gets to feel that the ocean belongs to them? And what happens when they do?
It offers a hopeful vision of a future where greater access can create space for healing and reconnection, turn fear into curiosity, strengthen voices, foster responsibility, and empower a new generation of ocean guardians from all backgrounds.
Directors statement
Directed and Produced by
Jamie-Leigh Clark and Ráchelle-Jean Steenberg
As ocean advocates and first-time filmmakers, the ocean has become a central part of how we live, think, and move through the world.
Our individual journeys back to the ocean have been shaped by our identities, upbringings, and the personal ways in which exploring and learning from the ocean has made us feel.
We wanted to create a film that encapsulates not only the beauty and importance of the kelp forests along our coastlines, but also the people who explore them and tell their stories. The history of South Africa reminds us that equal access and representation are not always afforded to all, and to this day, these inequalities continue to echo within our marine spaces.
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.
While celebrating the beauty and biodiversity of our incredible Great African Seaforest.
Ways you can support us
Our biggest need right now is support for post-production, but we’re also open to partnerships around distribution and the impact campaign.
If this feels aligned with you or your organisation, we would love to start a conversation.
We’re currently open to in-kind support with:
- Editing facilities and equipment
- Original music composition
- Design and marketing
- Printing and outreach materials
- Legal advice
If you or your organisation can support the film in one of these ways, we would love to hear from you.
- Screening venues
- Schools & universities
- NGOs & Ocean organisations
- Media and social media collaborations
- Brand partnerships aligned with ocean conservation
- Community support through donated snorkel gear, wetsuits, transport costs & NGO partnerships
Behind-the-scenes, early trailer access, and the chance to support the project.