WATCH: Short film ‘First Beach’ follows four South Africans as they experience the ocean for the first time

A new short film, 'First Beach', is shining a light on an overlooked South African reality: millions of people have never seen the ocean. 

Directed by Peri van Papendorp, the four-minute film follows four inland residents as they experience the beach for the first time, revealing the emotional and often spiritual impact of that encounter.

"The people who got to experience the beach for the first time were absolutely blown away."

"For us as the crew, it was a true joy to see people stepping onto the sand for the first time, seeing the ocean for the first time, and watching the awe that came with that experience."

The project was sparked by research showing that at least 15 million South Africans have never set foot on the coast, despite the country’s renowned shorelines. 

"We put out a casting call to South Africans across the country, from all different walks of life, to say who has never been to the beach, who would love to go to the beach and tell us your backstory. Out of 200 applicants, we got it down to four stories.

"The one story is a pool lifeguard from Joburg. There was also a photographer from Pretoria, a law student from UJ, and a gentleman who works in a gold mine in Brakpan.

"Each of those backstories was super interesting. Each of those people came to the beach with different expectations and had a very different experience."

Papendorp hopes the film encourages South Africans to see the beach as a shared national resource, and a "jewel" that deserves both protection and broader access.

To listen to Peri van Papendorp in conversation with 702's Bongani Bingwa, click the audio below: