If you(th) rest, you(th) rust

The youth of South Africa is 'resilience' personified. Through South Africa's rich yet painful history, resilience has flown through the veins of the youth. In this documentary, Ruth Mthembu, a young South African woman, talks about the movement called Youth for Marine Protected Areas (Youth for MPAs), which comprises of young professionals who have one common goal - ocean protection. Follow the movement's journey to see how the South African government increased marine protection over the years, partly due to the pressure, support and resilience of the youth. Watch, as this documentary inspires your mind to open up to more ocean knowledge; inspires your heart to be passionate about this life-giving blue blanket; and inspires your hands to take action in supporting global ocean protection.

  • Ruth Mthembu
    Executive Producer
  • Thuthukani Makhoba
    Director
  • Tsepiso Mokoena
    Assistant Director
  • Mnqobi Zuma
    Director of Photography
  • Ruth Mthembu
    Writer
  • Mel Mthembu
    Editor
  • Andile Ndunge
    Drone Operator
  • Nolwazi Lekuba-Sibiya
    Costume Design
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    18 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 25, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    South Africa
  • Country of Filming:
    South Africa
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • IMPAC5 Congress (not film festival but environmental congress)
    Vancouver
    Canada
    February 4, 2023
Director Biography - Thuthukani Makhoba

Thuthukani is a young photographer and videographer from the south of Durban, in South Africa. He owns his own media companies - "Open Circle Media" and "The Ground Floor" - where he largely focuses on capturing life's most memorable moments such as weddings and traditional events. He made his director debut with this documentary, which was created for the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress, where Ruth Mthembu was the opening keynote speaker.

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Director Statement

"Working on this documentary fueled my love for the film, the ocean and people. I worked with the best team, and we created cinematic magic by truthfully showcasing South Africa."