Technology & storytelling inspire over 100 000 South Africans to deepen support for marine conservation efforts at Hermanus Whale Festival

Technology & storytelling inspire over 100 000 South Africans to deepen support for marine conservation efforts at Hermanus Whale Festival

Hermanus, South Africa — This year’s Hermanus Whale Festival made waves with an immersive and educational experience that blended innovation, storytelling, and environmental awareness for more than 130,000 visitors to Hermanus over the weekend.

Recognising the power of large-screen displays, festival organisers approached Hisense SA for a sponsorship of the audio-visual technology required for the event this year, with the aim of using screens to deepen learning, raise awareness and support marine conservation efforts. 

In addition to confirming the sponsorship of all audio-visual equipment, Hisense SA also donated technology valued at R55 000 to the Hermanus Whale Festival NPC. The official handover, which included several televisions, audio equipment, and electrical appliances, was formally accepted by Festival Director Jeanette du Toit, with Overstrand Mayor Archie Klaas also present. The donation will be used by the NPC’s partner organisations to support marine education and ecological conservation efforts, furthering the festival’s commitment to ocean awareness and sustainability.

Mayor Archie Klaas (left), Festival Director, Jeanette du Toit (middle) and Hisense SA Brand Marketing Manager, Alex Chen (right)

With Hisense SA’s large-scale screens, festival organisers were able to screen educational films in the Eco Marine Tent, offering festivalgoers breathtaking visuals that highlighted the beauty of South Africa’s natural heritage, with a number documentaries and screenings that focused on marine conservation.

The Hisense SA Nature Cinema, hosted at the Whale Museum on Market Square, also played a key role, by showcasing short films by Triggerfish Animation Studios, which celebrated the ocean and local creativity. 

“As a brand that believes technology and storytelling go hand in hand, we’re incredibly proud to have partnered with the Hermanus Whale Festival to create the Hisense SA Nature Cinema, a space where families could pause, connect, and be inspired by South Africa’s oceans, wildlife and natural heritage,” says Alex Chen, Brand Marketing Manager for Hisense SA. “Our hope is that our technology, and donation, will continue to empower education and conservation initiatives that protect our marine wildlife, while inspiring future generations to do the same during their lifetimes.”

The company also opted to provide additional support through the Hisense Eco Team, which worked tirelessly to clear and appropriately recycle all waste and plastic from roads and nearby beaches.

Recognised globally as the only eco-marine festival of its kind, the Hermanus Whale Festival celebrates the return of the southern right whales to South African waters while championing environmental education. Hisense SA’s involvement underscores the company’s broader commitment to community upliftment, innovation, and environemntal sustainability – using technology not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire positive change.