Almost 400 guests gathered at the historic Labia Theatre in Cape Town for the South African premiere of Out of Mined, a powerful environmental film that shines a spotlight on the beauty of the West Coast and the growing threats posed by mining activities.
The premiere saw all four cinemas at the venue filled as local audiences became the first in South Africa to experience the documentary before it begins its international film festival journey.
Out Of Mined is a Powerful Story About Conservation
Directed by Arthur Neumeier and produced by Eyeforce in partnership with Protect the West Coast (PTWC), Out of Mined explores the delicate balance between one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal regions and more than a century of diamond and heavy mineral mining.
The documentary combines breathtaking cinematography with personal stories from local communities, conservationists, scientists and legal experts to examine the long-term environmental impact of mining along approximately 450 kilometres of coastline.
It’s More Than a Film
Protect the West Coast Managing Director Mike Schlebach believes the documentary is designed to inspire meaningful action rather than simply raise awareness.
He explains that the film showcases both the environmental damage caused by mining and the remarkable biodiversity that still exists along the coastline. According to Schlebach, the positive audience response provides momentum for several rehabilitation and community initiatives that the organisation is planning for the region.
Giving Communities a Voice
Following the screening, a panel discussion featured several environmental experts and activists, including community leader Wendy Pekeur from the Ubuntu Rural Women and Youth Movement.
The discussion focused on the social and environmental challenges facing communities affected by mining, while also highlighting practical solutions that can empower women, young people and Indigenous communities.
A Coastline Under Increasing Pressure
The documentary arrives at a critical time for the region. According to Protect the West Coast, 60 new mining applications were submitted across the Western and Northern Cape during 2026.
In addition, environmental authorisation has been granted for offshore diamond mining between Doringbaai and Strandfontein, south of the Olifants River estuary.
Despite decades of mining along the coastline, rehabilitation efforts have remained limited. PTWC’s The Tipping Point report estimates that only around 10% of the West Coast coastline currently enjoys formal protection, leaving large sections vulnerable to future mining developments.
Years of Work Behind the Documentary
Creating Out of Mined was no small undertaking. The production team completed nine expeditions across the West Coast and Richtersveld, capturing more than 20 terabytes of footage before editing it into a compelling 60-minute feature documentary.
Director Arthur Neumeier says the team quickly realised that many South Africans are unaware of what is happening along the coastline.
He explains that the documentary aims not only to expose the effects of mining but also to celebrate the landscapes, biodiversity and communities that still remain, while encouraging audiences to consider what kind of future they want for the region.
International Recognition Before Global Release
Even before its wider release, Out of Mined has already received international recognition by winning a Cannes Film Award in the festival’s Work in Progress category, which honours exceptional productions during development.
The documentary is also scheduled to screen at several international film festivals, including the Berlin Indie Film Festival, the Changing Tide Ocean Film Festival and the Green Montenegro International Film Festival.
Schlebach says the international recognition is encouraging, adding that he hopes the award will help amplify the voices of the communities featured in the film while generating greater awareness about protecting South Africa’s coastline.
Supported by outdoor apparel brand Patagonia South Africa, Out of Mined demonstrates how documentary filmmaking can drive important conversations around conservation, sustainability and community resilience.
As the film reaches international audiences, it aims to highlight both the extraordinary natural beauty of South Africa’s West Coast and the urgent need to safeguard one of the country’s most unique and fragile ecosystems for future generations.
Check out the trailer for Out of Mined below:
Out of Mined was screened at the Labia Theatre on Wednesday 24 June at 8:15pm, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers, Protect the West Coast, and environmental and community guest speakers.
An additional screening open to the public will be taking place at the Labia Theatre on Wednesday July 8 at 6:15 pm. Tickets available HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Movies category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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