VET VANNIE LAND

SILWERSKERM FESTIVAL 2025: SHORT DOCUMENTARY

In the remote, inhospitable Richtersveld and Succulent Karoo, a battle rages against time and organised crime. South Africa’s unique, endemic succulents are being poached to the brink of extinction, smuggled to the East and sold online to a market driven by social media. And while the international syndicates pocket billions of dollars, local residents are being paid a pittance to put their lives on the line. This short documentary follows brilliant botanist Pieter van Wyk’s efforts to protect our country’s most unique ecosystem from collapse. Together with dedicated conservationists and trained sniffer dogs, the world of illegal succulent trade is exposed. In the midst of this ecological disaster, a story of resilience and hope unfolds.

13 October 15:00 Neelsie 1

14 October 15:00 Neelsie 2

18 October 14:30 Neelsie 2

19 October 16:00 Neelsie 1