A South African documentary about the impact of mining on the West Coast has picked up a major international film award!
South Africa (30 June 2026) – Out of Mined has just won a Cannes Film Award!
We recently shared how the documentary had been nominated for the award, spotlighting the film’s mission to bring attention to the communities, biodiversity and coastline affected by decades of mining. Now that nomination has turned into a win!
The award was presented in the Cannes Film awards’ Work in Progress category, which recognises outstanding films during their development.
The feature documentary, directed by Arthur Neumeier and produced by Eyeforce in partnership with Protect the West Coast, recently premiered to a packed audience at Cape Town’s Labia Theatre. Soon, it will kick off its international film festival run, with a Cannes badge under its name.
“This award is an honour, but more importantly it’s recognition for the people who entrusted us with telling their story. 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.” said Neumeier.
The documentary gives voice to fishermen and local residents while uncovering the environmental impact of mining along South Africa’s West Coast.
It also highlights the beauty that still remains there and the importance of safeguarding it for future generations.
An additional public screening of Out of Mined will take place at the Labia Theatre in Cape Town on 8 July, giving South Africans one last chance to see the award-winning doccie before it continues its international festival journey.
It is a big win to see a proudly South African story shine – one that is helping important stories reach even more eyes and ears.
“For a story about South Africa’s West Coast to receive recognition on an international stage is incredibly encouraging. We hope this award helps amplify the voices of the communities featured in the film and sparks an even broader conversation about the future of our coastline.” says Mike Schlebach, Managing Director of Protect the West Coast.
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