A local documentary about the impact of mining on South Africa’s West Coast has won a Cannes Film Award, soon after selling out screenings for its world premiere at the Labia Theatre in Cape Town.
Out Of Mined shines a light on what is described as one of the country’s most important environmental stories, revealing both the beauty of this Western Cape coastline and the impact on it of generations of mining.
The award was presented in the Work in Progress category at Cannes, which recognises outstanding films that are in development.
RELATED: South African storytelling in the spotlight at Cannes Film Festival
The 60-minute feature is the result of a partnership between the not-for-profit organisation Protect the West Coast (PTWC) and the Eyeforce film production company.
PTWC says it takes audiences into the raw beauty of the West Coast; while exposing the lasting impact of 100 years of diamond and heavy mineral mining on its dunes, beaches, tidal zones and communities.
The documentary traces a century of mining along 450 km of coastline, “giving voice to fishers, indigenous communities, scientists and legal experts, and lays the foundation for a future comprising sustainable, nature-based industries”.
The NPO says the Cannes award provides a potentially game-changing boost to international recognition about the impact of mining in the area.
Film director Arthur Neumeier said the award honours the communities at the heart of the story.
“This award is an honour, but more importantly, it’s recognition for the people who entrusted us with telling their story”, he said.
“We set out to make an honest film about a place of extraordinary beauty and complexity, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that resonate with an international audience.”
‘Out of Mined’ will now begin its international film festival run, with screenings scheduled at the Berlin Indie Film Festival, the Green Montenegro International Film Festival and the Changing Tides Ocean Film Festival in the US.
Ahead of this, a second public screening takes place at the Labia Theatre on Wednesday 8 July at 18:15.
You can book your spot on Quicket.