Hanli is an 11 times South African Freediving Record Holder, filmmaker and avid Ocean Adventurer.
Hanli speaks with animation and passion about freedom, fear, risk and conscious living. Her visual material from the underwater realm combined with her vibrant storytelling captures the imagination and inspires audiences of all ages and walks of life.
Hanli has a background in acting, documentary filmmaking as well as over ten years of competitive freediving experience. Her documentary work has taken her into the front-lines of social political conflict all over Africa, from Burundi to Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe to name a few. Hanli is a strong believer in the greatness of the human spirit under the toughest of circumstances, having seen beauty and hope flourish where least expected. Leaving the camera behind her Hanli has focused all her energy on the Ocean, surfing, sailing, paddling, conservation and freediving. Through her sport Hanli has trained an array of top athletes; from rugby players, to swimmers and surfers, working with mental toughness, mind over body control and mindfulness. Her work with the world´s best Big Wave Surfers has won her international recognition and acclaim. She has been nominated for the Cosmo Awesome Women of the Year Awards, Outthere Adventurer of the Year, Gsport´s Women in Sport, Mail and Guardian TOP 200 Young South Africans as well as a ´strider´ in the Johnnie Walker Celebrating Strides Awards.