Now in its 27th year, the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival has once again returned to the Mother City, offering a stellar line-up of thought-provoking documentary films.
Running until 29 June 2025, viewers are invited to step into a world of cinematic perspective at some of the city’s most loved venues, including the Labia Theatre, V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor and Bertha House Mowbray and The Bertha Movie House Isivivana Community Centre Khayelitsha.
Setting the scene
The festival’s opening night commenced with How to Build a Library, a captivating film that highlights the main public library in Nairobi as a hub for understanding the nation’s colonial history while uncovering new opportunities for Kenyan graduates at home.
In total, the film programme features around 70 gripping documentaries of varying lengths, showcasing a diverse array of work from both award-winning filmmakers and emerging local talent – each chosen to spark conversation, connection and reflection.
Homegrown voices
Among the standout South African offerings is Fitting In. Closer to home, the film offers a year-long look inside the House Committee at Eendrag, a men’s residence at Stellenbosch University, confronted with a past that has not been forgotten.
Another heartfelt documentary, Normal To Me, offers a sensitive and human-centred glimpse of the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities at the Joyce Chevalier Centre in the coastal town of Fish Hoek.
Beyond the screen
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.
Sessions like ‘Rise and Resist’ delve into women empowerment, while ‘Wounds and Whisper’ explores historical memory and trauma. ‘Rewiring Knowledge’ tackles the rapidly evolving intersection of AI and education, providing invaluable opportunities for networking, learning and exploring emerging trends in documentary filmmaking.
Since its inception, Encounters has led the way in decentralising access to the festival experience through its Outreach programme. This year, the festival continues its partnership with Vuma Pop-Up Cinema to provide screenings in underserved communities.
With a stellar line-up of award-winning feature films and short films, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of cinema at its best.
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South African film wins gold at International Tourism Film Festival Africa
Picture: Encounters South African International Documentary Festival / Facebook
