CTAFF2024 - Opening Night | SOLD OUT

ABOUT

Join us, alongside Academy Award winning director Pippa Ehrlich (My Octopus Teacher), filmmaker and storyteller Bryan Little, survivor, ocean adventurer and philanthropist Greg Bertish and documentary filmmaker Dean Leslie, as we officially open the 4th edition of the Cape Town Adventure Film Festival presented by First Ascent and ORMS. Through this intimate, meet-and-greet styled event, we not only look forward to introducing our vision for the festival as well as the partners and industry stakeholders who have committed to fulfilling these objectives, but also an engaging experience that will showcase some amazing films and stories from those committed to everything adventure. Please note that seats are limited!

Films:

Older Than Trees

The film tells the story of James Lea, a field biologist who grew up dreaming of sharks; enigmatic monsters of the deep. In his first few years as a field biologist, he fell in love with silky sharks in the Red Sea, where he got to interact with them and learn their individual personalities. But, in the space of just a few years, he watched as almost each and every animal he had known was lost to the shark fin trade. Feeling heartbroken and helpless, James resolved to use his expertise as a scientist to protect sharks in places where they still have a chance to thrive. Older Than Trees highlights Lea’s work in the field, and the success he’s contributed to in safeguarding these ancient species through the creation of marine protected areas. Using both new and never-before-seen archival footage, we are taken on an expedition around the world that showcases the critical role science plays in safeguarding vulnerable species like sharks and rays.

20mins | Directed by Pippa Ehrlich

Optimist

This is the unique story of Greg Bertish and his journey around the Cape of Storms in his Little optimist Sailing dinghy. Greg’s story takes us on a journey of medical hardship, the hospitalized children he meets along the way, and a crazy sailing adventure that inspires and raises funds for a hospital.

51mins | Directed by Rob Whitehead

An Ode To Failure

Ryan Sandes has been at the top of the ultra-trail running world for nearly 15 years. It has been more than 11 years since Ryan first set a goal of winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. After four starts, he has yet to finish the race. The 2022 edition of the UTMB was to be his fifth attempt. Watch how Ryan's failures fuel his motivation to achieve his dreams. Because the most important things he has learned in his running career is to never give up and that everything we need is within us.

14mins | Directed by Dean Leslie

DIRECTIONS