After its premiere in January of this year in Aruba, the documentary “Turning the Tide” is crossing the ocean to share Aruba’s story with the rest of the world. This week, the unique documentary – which focuses on Aruba’s coral reef and mangrove restoration efforts – will premiere in the Netherlands, first on Tuesday, October 28 at Filmhuis Den Haag, made possible by the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), and again on Friday, October 31, 2025 at Visum Mundi, thanks to Wageningen University & Research.
Produced by the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) and Wings Global Media, the documentary captures the heart of a small island taking big steps to create a resilient marine life together with local partners such as the ScubbleBubble Foundation, the University of Aruba, and Wageningen University & Research. Over more than two years, the partners collaborated with volunteers, local and regional experts, and community members to restore Aruba’s mangrove forests and coral reefs within its protected areas. All of this is captured in the documentary, filmed over a period of 16 months.
For Aruba, this moment represents more than an international premiere – it is a moment of immense pride. “Turning the Tide” demonstrates the spirit, ingenuity, and determination of the Aruban community coming together to restore the island’s fragile ecosystems. It highlights what can be achieved when a community unites for nature, reminding the world that the Aruban identity is deeply connected to the surrounding sea.
Now that the documentary premieres abroad, it carries more than just images; it is an invitation to connect, collaborate, and continue the restoration work that began with funding from the EU RESEMBID Programme.
“This is more than a premiere; it is a bridge,” says Natasha Silva, Chief Conservation Officer at ACF. “We are showcasing what is possible on a small island, and we are cultivating relationships that can ensure continuity, growth, and inspire other islands in the region and beyond.”
The ACF team, including the Chief Conservation Officer and the Communications & Marketing Manager, has traveled to the Netherlands for the two premieres. In addition, the team will be connecting with various conservation organizations such as Vogelpark AviFauna, Vogelbescherming Nederland, Wageningen University & Research, CITES Nederland, and many more, to explore further opportunities for future collaboration and funding to sustain Aruba’s ecosystem restoration work.
ACF would like to thank the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) for its instrumental role in making the premiere at Filmhuis Den Haag possible.
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for more information.
Press Release: Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF)
