Winner of the Backsberg Audience Choice Award at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival 2015 for Best South African Film .

Winner of the Audience Choice Award & Amnesty International Human Rights Award at the 2015 Durban International Film Festival.

The struggle of extremes plays out in Pondoland’s Wild Coast: an exquisite backdrop for a high-stakes saga, which casts a new light, and accompanying shadows, across the uneven landscape of our troubled country. An Australian mining company’s efforts to win over the local communities of Amadiba pits local tour-guide, Nonhle, against her opportunistic cousin in a vicious battle for the hearts and minds of their rural neighbours.

Through this nuanced drama Grunenwald deftly interweaves a parallel story of political intrigue – a plot to oust the Pondo Royal family. A lilting score by Joel Assaizky, original songs by Ntombe Thongo and evocative sand animation interspersed counterpoint the drama. As self-interest clashes with morals and ideals, simple scenarios betray a deeper subtext of subterranean problems, hidden like the contested titanium, biding their time to explode.

REVIEWS

“Accomplished, handsome documentary” – Variety

“Masterful storytelling”   – Scene Creek

“Unforgettable” – Toronto Film Scene

“Riveting” – Examiner

“The Shore Break triumphs” – Ecorazzi

“Poignant” – 4:3

“Alarming” – City Press

“Eloquent” – Mail & Guardian

“A Gripping Tale” – TwitchFilm

ONLINE ARTICLES

The Shore Break wins Audience Choice Award at Encounters – Screen Africa

‘The Shore Break’: Nog ‘n prys vir dokkie oor beoogde titaan-myn – Netwerk 24

SA doccie wins at environmental film festival – Screen Africa

South African Success at Hot Docs – Film Contact

Film on Pondo way of life wins global award – Daily Dispatch

In Parys bekroon op omgewingsrolprentfees – Die Burger

Eco-film to co-premiere at Encounters and the Durban International Film Festivals – The Arts Mag

Fertile Collaboration – IDFA 2014 Daily

SA doccie selected for Hot Docs – Screen Africa

Hot Docs Announces Projects for This Year’s Forum – Indiewire

IDFA WorldView Award goes to The Shore Break by Ryley Grunenwald – IDFA

EDN Member of the month – European Documentary Network

ONLINE INTERVIEWS

Exclusive on Hot Docs 2015 – CHCH

African Perspectives – CHRY 105.5 fm

The Shore Break at Hot Docs – Katie Chats