Latest news with #CalebSwanepoel
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Spring Awakening' musical wins big at 20th Naledi Theatre Awards
'Spring Awakening', a Lamta production, enjoyed a successful run in both Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. Some of the cast members of Spring Awakening, which won big at the Naledi Theatre Awards. Picture: lamtacademy/Instagram There was probably no better way to celebrate young people's vibrancy at the 20th edition of the Naledi Theatre Awards than having a youth-driven musical, Spring Awakening, being the night's biggest winner. Spring Awakening, which had a successful run in 2024, won 10 awards at the Naledi Theatre Awards, hosted at the State Theatre in Pretoria on Monday, which coincided with Youth Day. 'It is hugely satisfying to all of us at the Naledis that we are seeing such young talent, interest and audiences' growth, ensuring the longevity of theatre for the next generation,' said CEO of the awards, Lihan Pretorius. ALSO READ: Caleb Swanepoel's courage steals the show at Naledi Awards Spring Awakening's night Spring Awakening is a Luitingh Alexander Musical Theatre Academy (Lamta) production that had a successful run in Johannesburg and Cape Town in 2024. The musical delves into the lives of a group of adolescent students discovering their sexual identities and desires as they rebel against the prevailing burdensome and restrictive societal norms. This reimagined production expertly brings the gripping and emotional story to life, exploring complex themes such as self-discovery, repression, and the power of rebellion. Guest artists re-joining the Lamta company will include the brilliant Francis Chouler and Natalie Robbie in multiple roles. Sylvaine Strike directs the musical. It received awards for Best Production for a Musical or Opera and Best Choreography/Movement Direction in a Play or Musical Theatre Production, and cast member Jonathan Conrad received the Breakthrough Performance Award. 'This award is for everyone who has ever felt out of place,' said an emotional Conrad in his acceptance speech. Before the production's return to the stage last year, Lamta co-founder Anton Luitingh urged young people to see the musical because it speaks to them. '…because of the way that Spring Awakening resonates with its profound relevance to young individuals and their parents and guardians today, highlighting the symbiosis between the two generations.' Other winners of the night included Gregory Maqoma's Vuyani Dance Company, which won the CEO's Award for its innovative contributions to theatre, and Aladdin Jr. (People's Theatre), which won the award for Best Production for children and young audiences. NOW READ: 'A new chapter': Siphokazi celebrates independence after 16 years with former label
eNCA
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- eNCA
SA short film wins gold at International Tourism Film Festival
VALLETTA, MALTA - A South African conservation film has won an award at the International Tourism Film Festival. WATCH | SA short film nominated for Oscar award The short film features 29-year-old shark attack survivor Caleb Swanepoel. It explores his emotional return to the ocean and swimming with sharks, after his life-changing experience in June 2015. Caleb Swanepoel, the film's star, says the survivor mindset helped him get to where he is now.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
WATCH: SA short film ‘Caleb: Beyond the Bite' wins Gold at film festival
South African short film 'Caleb: Beyond the Bite' wins Gold at International Tourism Film Festival Africa, just in time for World Ocean Day. Caleb: Beyond the Bite won Gold at the 2025 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA), one year after its release by WILDTRUST. As the world celebrated World Ocean Day on Sunday, 8 June, a proudly South African conservation film was honoured on the global stage. This marks the fourth film festival at which the film has been recognised to date. The film festival had more than 450 global entries, ending with a red carpet event on Friday at Hotel Sky, Sandton, Johannesburg. Caleb: Beyond the Bite inspires shark bite survivors 'This film was truly inspirational,' says ITFFA organiser Caroline Ungersbock. Caleb in the water. Picture: Mnqobi Zuma 'It delivered a very strong and necessary message that resonated deeply with our judges and attendees of the film festival.' The short film follows para-athlete Caleb Swanepoel's emotional return to swimming with sharks, which changed his life in 2015. This film challenges the fear of sharks, showing their vital role in South Africa's marine ecosystems through a human story. 'I'm incredibly excited that the film has been recognised at the ITFFA Awards,' says Swanepoel. 'It means a lot that more people worldwide will see the film and hopefully connect with its message.' 'Being part of this project and team changing the shark narrative is a real privilege.' Caleb Swanepoel at the ITFFA Awards. Picture: Supplied The importance of shark and ray conservation Caleb: Beyond the Bite was released as part of the WILDTRUST's Sharks Under Attack campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for the conservation of sharks and rays in South African waters. The film highlights the emotional power of personal transformation and how perception plays a critical role in shark survival. South Africa is a global hotspot for shark and ray diversity, with approximately 200 species inhabiting its waters. Many species are endemic and increasingly threatened by habitat loss, overfishing, and public fear. The film provides a compelling call to protect these misunderstood animals through empathy, education, and policy change. 'Caleb gives me hope for shark conservation,' says WILDTRUST scientist Leigh de Necker, who swam with Caleb in the film. 'If he can change his view on sharks after trauma, there is hope for all of us to do the same.' Caleb: Beyond the Bite is available to watch online.
