Submissions are now open for the 28th edition of the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.
Celebrating nearly three decades of documentary excellence, Encounters stands as Africa’s leading documentary festival. The festival presents 10 days of compelling non-fiction cinema that drives conversation, promotes understanding, and amplifies emerging African voices.
The festival runs from Thursday 4 June to Sunday 14 June, with screenings taking place at the Labia Theatre in Gardens, Cape Town and the Bioscope Independent Cinema in Milpark, Johannesburg.
Audiences will discover carefully selected African and international documentaries exploring authentic stories and urgent contemporary issues. Filmmakers can participate in professional development opportunities including industry presentations, filmmaker discussions, conferences, training sessions, and collaborative programmes designed to advance careers and build networks.
Communities across South Africa will engage through dedicated access programmes, ensuring widespread participation and exposure to documentary storytelling.
Awards will be presented for Best African Feature Documentary, Best International Feature Documentary, Best African Short Documentary, Best International Short Documentary, plus technical honours for Best Edited Feature and Short Documentary categories.
The submission period began Friday 31 October. Filmmakers can take advantage of reduced fees until the early deadline of Friday 19 December. Standard submissions close Friday 30 January 2026, with final opportunities through the late deadline of Friday 20 February 2026, and final deadline of Friday 20 March 2026. Selection notifications will be sent by Monday 20 April 2026.
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