Encounters South African International Documentary Festival: 22 June to 2 July 2023
Encounters Festival Celebrates Collaboration
Encounters South African International Documentary Festival: Celebrating African Filmmaking Excellence and Collaboration
Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is back, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity of documentary filmmakers from across the African continent. This year’s festival, running from 22 June to 2 July 2023, promises to captivate audiences with thought-provoking stories and powerful narratives that shed light on the human condition in Africa.
With a line-up curated to highlight authentic voices and collaborative efforts between African and international filmmakers, Encounters offers a unique platform for filmmakers to tell their stories and explore important social issues. The festival has gained recognition and support from various industry stakeholders, including FAME Week Africa, a leading platform for African film, TV, and music industry professionals.
“FAME Week Africa is proud to support Encounters,” says Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director for FAME Week Africa built by RX Africa. “This festival plays a crucial role in promoting and celebrating the exceptional work being done by documentary filmmakers on the continent. It is an opportunity to showcase African storytelling and encourage dialogue on important social issues. We encourage everyone to attend and experience the power of African documentaries.”
Encounters offers a diverse range of films that tackle a wide array of topics, providing a compelling exploration of the African experience. Here are some highlights from this year’s line-up:
- Dorpie: Directed by Julia Jaki (SA/Germany)
Follow the journey of a community worker in the small town of Bredasdorp as she establishes a safe house for victims of gender-based violence. The film sheds light on the challenges she faces in protecting girls and women and confronting deep-rooted structural inequalities.
- The Other Profile: Directed by Armel Hostiou (France/DRC)
This compelling and comedic film follows the director as he investigates a fake Facebook account using his name and photos to lure women in Kinshasa to audition for his next film. It offers a unique perspective on identity, authenticity, and the impact of social media on our lives.
- Free Money: Directed by Lauren De Filipppo and Sam Soko (US/Kenya)
Explore a basic income experiment in rural Kenya facilitated by Give Direct. The film examines the impact of providing a small grant to villagers while presenting a complex human story that reflects on the role of wealth in our lives.
- Theatre of Violence: Directed by Lukasz Konopa and Emil Langbelle (Denmark/Germany/Uganda)
This thought-provoking film delves into the story of Dominic Ongwen, a former child soldier who became the first to be indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. It offers a powerful perspective on restorative justice and the effectiveness of the International Criminal Court.
According to Tarha McKenzie, Festival Manager of Encounters, “The line-up for this year’s festival represents the richness and diversity of African filmmaking. These films provide a powerful platform to engage with important social issues and spark meaningful conversations. We are excited to share these stories with our audience and create an immersive cinematic experience.”
Attending Encounters is a chance to be part of an extraordinary celebration of African filmmaking. It provides an opportunity to engage with filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of creativity, collaboration, and inspiration.
Don’t miss out on this exceptional event! Mark your calendars for 22 June and join us at various cinemas across Cape Town, including Ster-Kinekor V&A Waterfront, The Labia Theatre, The Bertha House Mowbray, and The Bertha Movie House Isivivana Community Centre Khayelitsha.
To learn more about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.encounters.co.za
Join us at Encounters South African International Documentary Festival and experience the power of African storytelling.