Congrats flood in for local film-makers as Octopus doccie bags coveted Oscar
CONGRATULATIONS are streaming in for the local team behind the Oscar winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher.
The touching relationship between film-maker and Cape Town-based Sea Change Project co-founder, Craig Foster, and a curious octopus is at the centre of Netflix’s first original South African documentary.
The production aims to inspire local and international interest in the Great African Sea Forest off the southwest tip of the continent.
Directed by Cape Town film-maker and environmental journalist Pippa Ehrlich, co-directed by James Reed and produced by Foster, the documentary aired on Netflix in September, captivating film festivals worldwide and winning a British Academy Film Award (Bafta) earlier this month.
“My heartfelt congratulations to the producers and team involved in the making of My Octopus Teacher. You have made South Africa proud,” Forestry, Fisheries and Environment
Minister Barbara Creecy said.
At a time when more and more people are focusing on the health of the oceans, the documentary raises awareness about the role kelp forests play in the ocean environment, the abundance and fragility of the marine environment and the need for a healthy marine environment to sustain a diversity of species, she added.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais said the documentary was special as it was captured in the kelp bushes of False Bay, near Simon’s Town.
“Making it all the more significant is that the year 2020 could be described as strangely bizarre and in this film the bond between man and creature is brilliantly documented but also highlights the healing effect of social connection during a time of physical distance. We wholeheartedly thank the team for sharing this, not only with us, but the world at large.”
Award-winning SA film producer Anant Singh also congratulated the filmmaking team.
“It is also a huge boost for the
South African film industry as the film was shot in Cape Town and went on to capture the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world, profiling the natural beauty of the country. The global success of the film has also served to inspire emergent South African film-makers,” Singh said.
Foster had completely immersed himself for over a year in the making of the film and forging a bond with the octopus, Singh added.
“Shooting every day, in a cold underwater kelp forest, for over a year is no mean feat. I admire Craig’s resilience and tenacity under these difficult conditions. My Octopus Teacher is filmmaking at its best, especially as it is so hugely embraced by viewers all around the world. The Best Documentary Feature Oscar is well-deserved.”
Mayor Dan Plato said: “We are confident (the documentary) will keep the Mother City in the minds and hearts of film-makers, and encourage tourists to take a glimpse at the extensive undersea world on their travels here, while respecting its natural beauty.”