Encounters at 27: Championing Disruptors and Shaping Africa’s Documentary Future

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Over the past three decades, Encounters has been a shining example of top-tier international documentary film, presenting critically-lauded and award-winning pieces from various countries. This year marks its 27th anniversary, and from the 19th to the 29th of June, the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival will enthrall viewers with a relevant and courageous lineup of films.

2025’s featured selections explore the “madness of 2025” by tackling urgent global problems and honoring those courageous enough to defy conventional norms. These films range from unmasking government propaganda to safeguarding indigenous territories, and pushing artistic limits, they are described as “gritty and innovative,” championing revolutionaries and artists who strive for a more compassionate world.

In this conversation, we chat with Joy Sapieka from Encounters Public Relations and Mandisa Zitha, the Festival Director, to learn about what attendees can expect during this year’s festival, investigate the local documentary exhibition, examine their efforts to support the expansion of the South African documentary sector, and grasp their aspirations for Encounters to thrive as a significant cultural asset in Africa over the long term.

Encounters has a history of curating some of the most critically-acclaimed and award-winning international documentary films. Can you tell us what we can look forward to this year?

This year marks the 27th anniversary of our Encounters event. This year’s lineup delves into the absurdity of 2025 by focusing on its most critical issues. The films are gritty and innovative, showcasing individuals who stand up against state propaganda, protect indigenous lands, or take on corporate titans. Moreover, they honor artists who inspire cultural progress and motivate us to make this world a better place.

Movies are categorized into five main topics: The Harsh Truths of Present Day, Methods of Education, Asserting One’s Agency in the Face of Power, Explorations of Memory, Trauma, and Identity, and Art and Its Influence. Be sure to catch the opening night film, “How to Build a Library.

The movie is filmed near the borders of Elon Musk’s Starbase complex, where SpaceX rockets and Starlink satellites are blasted off. It features conversations with individuals who have traveled from across the U.S. to camp in the region, eagerly watching what they perceive as our initial attempts at venturing into outer space and potentially becoming an extraterrestrial species.

The film is set close to Elon Musk’s Starbase headquarters, where SpaceX rockets and Starlink satellites are launched. It includes interviews with people from different parts of the U.S. who have settled near the area to witness what they consider as humanity’s first steps towards becoming an interstellar species.)

The Union narrates the battles faced by a band of workers at Amazon as they strive to establish a labor union. The Union is a profoundly moving portrayal of the struggle for self-determination and respect in an interconnected global society.

The narrative centers around Pavel Talankin, a dedicated school videographer from a small Russian town, who experiences a disruption in his close relationships with students when Russia invades Ukraine, resulting in the sudden implementation of a Soviet-style propaganda program at the school.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: In my world of films, there’s a heartrending tale about Amal, a life-sized puppet crafted by the Handspring Puppet Company, portraying a young Syrian refugee girl. On an odyssey spanning 8,000 kilometers across Europe, she journeys through different landscapes, mirroring the arduous paths taken by countless displaced children during the global refugee crisis. Along the way, her journey serves as a poignant reminder of their struggles and resilience, weaving a powerful narrative that leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it.

As a devoted cinephile, I find myself captivated by Wim Wenders’ exploration into the world, artistry, and creative journey of the iconic German artist, Anselm Kiefer.

The Blue Road centres on the controversial Irish author, Edna O’Brien.

When it comes to the local documentary showcase, which films are likely to draw the most attention this year?

To me, it’s quite ordinary to see how the Joyce Chevalier Centre in Fish Hoek uplifts the lives of intellectually-disabled adults. They do this by breaking down societal prejudices through heartwarming narratives that highlight love, aspiration, and everyday victories.

In this meticulously crafted movie, a diverse gang of young South Africans embark on their academic journey at the prestigious University of Stellenbosch, each attempting to find their place within the institution’s social fabric.

An Unusual Blend: A Poetic Tribute to Albie Sachs; a creative depiction of Albie Sachs, a beacon of resistance against apartheid and esteemed judge on the Constitutional Court, whose tumultuous journey under the apartheid regime and visionary thoughts paved the way for South Africa’s pursuit of justice and transformation.

Exploring Sam Nzima’s Life: A View through His Camera Lens

Diving behind the camera lens, we delve into the life story of Sam Nzima, a man whose work is forever etched in history with one of the most iconic photographs – the poignant image of Hector Pieterson during the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

How does Encounters navigate the financial realities of running a major film festival, and what creative strategies are being employed to ensure its continued success?

Similar to numerous cultural institutions worldwide, Encounters is facing a significant amount of stress due to various factors. The continuous blend of political and economic instability is straining budgets that were already stretched thin. In our local context, the demand on static funding sources is increasing, while globally, changing political landscapes are making it harder to secure traditional support. Major festivals in the northern hemisphere have also been dealing with these same issues, and we’re not exempt from them either.

Regardless, we’ve managed to maintain a robust alliance of domestic and global partners, enabling us to keep our heads above water. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that maintaining our financial stability is an ongoing issue that consistently resurfaces, season after season.

At present, our primary goal is shaping a sustainable long-term financial plan. This involves broadening our main source of funds by establishing stronger partnerships with organizations that align with our values and recognize the importance of our work. Additionally, we’re striving for multi-year funding commitments, aiming to alleviate the constant need to secure funds on a yearly basis.

The festival serves as a crucial foundation for our endeavors – it’s the place where visibility, connection, and impact intersect. However, to achieve lasting sustainability, we recognize the importance of continuous, all-year-round programming. This is how we cultivate devoted audiences. This is also how we access funding that sustains our work throughout the year, not just during the festival period.

Our project, Encounters, is growing and developing – we’re dedicated to maintaining its significance within the world of documentaries for many years ahead.

Beyond screening films, what initiatives or partnerships is Encounters undertaking to foster the growth and sustainability of the South African documentary industry?

For approximately three decades, the Encounters Documentary Festival has played a significant role in showcasing African documentaries to both local and global spectators. Not only is it South Africa’s most-attended film festival, but it also serves as an essential stage for filmmakers to engage with their audience, capture media attention, and navigate international markets and festivals.

Right from the start, Encounters has placed great importance on forming significant collaborations, whether they be local or global. These alliances have provided us access to opportunities that we might not have been able to reach individually. Throughout the years, we’ve collaborated with notable entities such as IDFA (Amsterdam), Cannes Docs, MIPDOC, and the Trailblazer Award in France, among others. A current highlight for us is our partnership with DOK.fest München in Germany, which involves presenting a special award to the Best Documentary by an African woman. The winner of this prize gets the unique chance to pitch her next project at the esteemed Master’s Pitch—an exceptional opportunity offering funding, production, and distribution possibilities.

In our current context, regional alliances within the continent are increasingly crucial. As Africa’s documentary industry expands, so does the demand for a robust, interconnected network. Through our collaborative efforts with DocA (Kenya), we’ve been granted the opportunity to endorse budding South African filmmakers, particularly those new to the market, to participate in IDFA. These partnerships transcend mere access; they position us as active participants in the global discourse. In unison with organizations such as DocA and The Durban FilmMart, we’re constructing bridges between African incubators, training programs, and the future of documentary filmmaking on this continent.

Looking ahead, what is the long-term vision for the Encounters Festival and how will it solidify its position as a vital cultural institution and a leading platform for documentary in Africa?

Beyond the excitement of our annual festival, many may not realize the significant work we do throughout the year. Through the Encounters Training and Development Institute, we’re dedicated to fostering emerging talents and shaping a more diverse and vibrant African documentary scene, all year long.

For quite some time now, this festival has been instrumental in propelling numerous films onto international platforms, but we’re aware that there’s a vast amount of untapped talent out there. That’s the reason behind our efforts to redefine our role beyond just screenings. The Institute offers us the opportunity to secure ongoing funding for various activities, enhance our abilities in festival management and curation, and nurture budding filmmakers, with a focus on those who come from underrepresented and resource-poor backgrounds.

Currently, our main goal is to foster stronger regional connections and create reliable, user-friendly programs to aid filmmakers throughout their careers. We’re collaborating on a long-term education and growth plan with universities and local projects. The aim is to equip the future generation of African storytellers with essential skills, guidance, and opportunities for success.

Our ambition is substantial: we aim for Encounters to evolve into a primary gathering spot for the African documentary community – a venue where narratives are cultivated, connections are forged, and the industry thrives collectively. This transcends the boundaries of a mere festival; it’s about molding the future of documentary filmmaking across the continent.

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2025-05-29 22:43