National Geographic’s Sharkfest 2025 wouldn’t exist without the film that started it all — Jaws. This July, the network honours the blockbuster that redefined the shark genre with JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau, the authorised documentary features exclusive new interviews with Steven Spielberg and original cast and crew, alongside some of today’s most iconic filmmakers.

This deep dive unearths never-before-seen footage, rare outtakes, and intimate reflections, charting the movie’s chaotic production, Spielberg’s near career-ending fears, and the film’s unparalleled influence on pop culture and shark conservation. JAWS @ 50 reframes the “Jaws Effect,” transforming decades of fear into fascination — offering not just a behind-the-scenes look but a heartfelt exploration of our relationship with sharks.

National Geographic’s SHARKFEST wouldn’t exist without the film that changed cinema — and our understanding of sharks — forever: Jaws. This year, in tribute to the movie that sparked a worldwide obsession, National Geographic unveils JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, a brand-new, authorised documentary from Spielberg’s Amblin Documentaries and Nedland Films.

Directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), the 90-minute film takes viewers from Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel to the cinematic masterpiece that transformed filmmaking and ocean conservation. Featuring never-before-seen footage from Spielberg’s personal archives and candid reflections from cast, crew, and Hollywood legends like J.J. Abrams, George Lucas, Jordan Peele, and Guillermo del Toro — this is the definitive story you thought you knew, until now.

The documentary also delves into the infamous “Jaws Effect,” where decades of shark fear gave way to curiosity and eventual conservation efforts. Marine advocates and scientists — including Philippe Cousteau, Gibbs Kuguru, and Dr. Greg Skomal — weigh in on how Jaws inadvertently became a turning point in marine advocacy.

JAWS @ 50 premieres on National Geographic (DStv 181 and StarTimes 220) on Sunday, 13 July at 21:00 (CAT), with a repeat on Saturday, 26 July at 18:00 during SHARKFEST 2025 on National Geographic Wild. It will also stream on Disney+ South Africa.

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