In a moment of well-deserved recognition, South Africa’s Pieter Muller of Inspired Path Video Productions — in association with The Newspaper — has been awarded Gold at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025, for his masterful video production showcasing Kanu Wines in Stellenbosch.
The award, presented in the Wine Tourism category under the Wine Experience section, highlights not only the beauty of South Africa’s renowned wine regions, but also the power of compelling storytelling in tourism promotion. Muller’s production for Kanu Wines stood out for its ability to capture more than just breathtaking visuals — it told a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the rich heritage behind the wine.
Global Recognition Amid Fierce Competition
Hosted at Hotel Sky Sandton in Johannesburg, this year’s ITFFA drew 448 entries from 60 countries, with productions spanning from Algeria to Australia, Canada to Croatia, and across the African continent. Amidst this global showcase of creative excellence, Muller’s work resonated with the international jury of 48 industry professionals, earning Inspired Path top honours.
A Personal Story of Resilience
But behind the lens is a story even more powerful than the images it produces. Pieter Muller’s personal journey has been defined by resilience. As a child, Muller overcame stage 4 cancer — a life experience that shaped not only his outlook but also his approach to storytelling.
“For me, storytelling has always been about more than beautiful images,” says Muller. “It’s about connecting people emotionally — capturing the passion, the people, and the heartbeat behind every story. With Kanu Wines, we wanted to showcase not just the wine, but the soul of Stellenbosch’s wine culture.”
Founded with a mission to create purpose-driven, emotionally resonant content, Inspired Path has become a force in tourism, hospitality, and business storytelling.
Africa’s Only Festival Dedicated to Tourism Film
The International Tourism Film Festival Africa is Africa’s only festival exclusively dedicated to tourism and travel video content. Established in 2019, ITFFA has grown into a highly respected platform that showcases the power of visual storytelling in driving tourism development, cultural exchange, and economic growth both on the continent and internationally.
Masterclasses, Panels, and Industry Growth
Beyond the awards ceremony, ITFFA 2025 hosted a comprehensive program including masterclasses, expert panel discussions, and conferences. Industry leaders discussed topics such as destination marketing, the role of film in boosting tourism numbers, and Africa’s growing position within the global film tourism industry. These sessions provided valuable insights into how destinations can leverage storytelling to attract travellers and strengthen their tourism economies.
Developing New Talent for the Future
A major focus of ITFFA is also nurturing emerging talent. Through initiatives like the Young Creative Student Challenge, local students had the opportunity to receive mentorship from industry professionals while creating their own short tourism films.
Storytelling That Inspires the World
The ITFFA 2025 was more than just an awards event — it served as a global meeting point for filmmakers, tourism professionals, and creatives. As Muller and Inspired Path celebrate this golden achievement, they remain committed to their core mission: telling stories that inspire, uplift, and create lasting emotional connections.
For more information visit www.inspiredpath.co.za