The Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival kicks off today (Thursday 4 June), running until Sunday 14 June in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The festival returns with a rich selection of local and international documentary content.

In Cape Town, screenings will be held at The Labia Theatre and Ster-Kinekor at the V&A Waterfront. This year’s programme features 58 documentaries from 33 countries, presented across 116 screenings.

Cape Town filmmakers in the spotlight

The festival spotlights 13 projects by Cape Town-based filmmakers, spanning a diverse range of short films and documentaries. These include A Place called Paradise, Amigo the Griot, Before They Sold the Sky, Bones, Concerto, Curtain Call, Die Lopende Ambulanse, Eyes to See Filmmaker, Her Khaltsha, Inyembezi Zendoda, Notes from the Underground,Talking to Family, and Wat was hie?

Cape Town on the international stage

The city also features on screen in two international documentaries, Tutu and Tristan Forever, both selected as part of the Encounters International Selection, with scenes filmed in and around Cape Town.

Tutu is a compelling portrait of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the fearless leader whose courage and compassion helped dismantle apartheid, transform the spirit of a nation, and inspire generations around the world.

Tristan Forever tells the story of a doctor from Paris who maintained an enduring friendship with a fisherman living on Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited island on Earth. He returns one final time, determined to leave his old life behind and make the island his permanent home.

World premieres

This year’s festival will host the world premieres of four South African documentary features, further highlighting the strength and diversity of local storytelling at Encounters.

City support

“The City of Cape Town is pleased to once again stand behind the Encounters Documentary Film Festival, where documentaries continue to grow and real stories come to life. This festival creates a powerful platform for voices that matter, both at home and across the globe. It is through this space that we celebrate the art of film, while building meaningful connections between communities, storytellers, and audiences alike,” said Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith.

Industry sessions

Alongside the film screenings, Encounters is running a robust programme of masterclasses, panel discussions, and one-on-one sessions, facilitated by industry experts and filmmakers.

The full festival schedule is available at www.encounters.co.za.

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