The proudly South African film, Our Oceans: Shark Sanctuary has wowed international audiences, with packed screenings and a "Best Feature Film" award at the Ireland Film Festival. "The screening of Our Oceans: Shark Sanctuary at Jackson Wild last week was a resounding success," said Lauren van Nijkerk of Wildoceans. "There weren't enough chairs to seat everyone that arrived to view it". The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival now called Jackson Wild has been running for more than 25 years. It has become known as the definitive wildlife documentary film festival on the globe, expanding its reach and impact year on year. "It was really such a privilege to be given this platform to screen our film among award winning film makers and their groundbreaking films, and a huge thank you must go to Empowers Africa for making this possible," said Van Nijkerk.
"Jackson Wild is special. There is no doubt that it is driving a fundamental shift in the way that environmental film makers conceptualise and deliver their projects. "Given the unprecedented rate of environmental and social change we are experiencing, the drive towards impact film making is directly relevant. "I have no doubt that Jackson Wild's legacy in this regard will be felt for generations to come, as they direct the most talented environmental film makers on the planet towards this outcome," said Wildtrust chief executive Dr Andrew Venter.
The week prior to Jackson Wild, the Our Oceans team were delighted to find out they were awarded Best Feature Film at the Ireland Film Festival. Venter said: "We really appreciate the support of the Ireland Film Festival in getting the message out to the world that these species, these systems and our oceans need to be protected." The Our Oceans film is currently only available to be viewed on the film festival circuit.