The skipper of her own story, how Azile found power and peace at sea
The Academy tells the story of Azile, a young woman who overcomes personal and social obstacles through sailing.
The film explores transformation within traditionally exclusive spaces like the Royal Cape Yacht Club, showcasing real, authentic change.
Julia Jansch's partnership with Disney+ highlights the power of personal storytelling on global platforms and marks a big win for South African creatives.
At the edge of the Royal Cape Yacht Club, tucked away in a modest shipping container, a quiet revolution is happening. It's not about winning races or chasing Olympic medals, it's about giving young South Africans the tools to build a better life, starting with learning to sail.
In her latest documentary The Academy, South African filmmaker Julia Jansch tells the story of a sailing school that's doing more than teaching water skills. It's helping young people from underserved communities discover confidence, direction and a sense of purpose.
The film focuses one young woman's experience as she joins the programme, works through her own personal trauma, and gradually finds her place both on the water and in life.
'I'm drawn to stories of people overcoming difficult situations,' says Jansch.
When I heard about this young woman and the sailing school, it felt powerful, real, and worth telling.
Julian Jansch
Azile, the young woman at the heart of The Academy, didn't grow up anywhere near boats or yacht clubs. She came from tough circumstances, with limited opportunities. At first, she struggled with discipline, responsibility, and self-belief. But over time, she grew, not just as a sailor, but as a person.
One of the most moving parts of the film is her relationship with her mother. It's honest and raw, showing how generational wounds take time to heal. But there's also growth. As she begins to believe in herself, that confidence spills over into other areas of her life.
'It wasn't just about learning to sail,' says Jansch. 'It was about emotional healing, learning to lead, and changing the way she saw herself.'
The sailing school itself isn't a glossy, private operation. It runs out of a container, with secondhand gear and borrowed boats. But it's a space filled with care and intention. Young students are taught teamwork, leadership, and technical skills. They're trusted to take control of a boat and by extension, their lives.
There's a sense of family there; it's tough love. It's structure. And it's the first time many of these young people are being told they're capable of something big.
Julia Jansch
The film also highlights the unlikely relationship between the academy and the Royal Cape Yacht Club, a space historically closed off to most South Africans. Jansch says she was struck by how genuine the efforts were to open doors and shift perceptions.
'This didn't feel performative,' she says. 'There's real effort being made to make sailing more inclusive, more diverse.'
The Academy is Jansch's first original production under her own company, and it's already made an impact internationally. It was picked up by a major global streaming platform Disney+, and has received early praise for its sincerity and strong storytelling.
Disney+ is one of the most respected and widely watched platforms, seeing our film there has been both humbling and affirming.
Julia Jansch
'We didn't have a script or a plan,' she says. 'We just followed the truth of what was happening. That's what makes it special.'
As for Azile, she's since completed her studies and continues to sail. Her story is one of strength, growth, and proof that given the right tools, anyone can change their path.
Jansch hopes the film will encourage more support for programmes like this and more stories from underrepresented communities.
'She's not famous or flashy,' says Jansch. 'She's just someone who worked hard, stuck with it, and proved what's possible.'
Next up, Jansch is working on a documentary about car spinning culture on the Cape Flats. Like The Academy, it focuses on youth, identity, and the power of passion.
But for now, she's proud to share this story of quiet transformation and hopes it inspires more of the same.
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