Cape Town: The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is returning to the Mother City for its 27th year. This time it is offering a stellar line-up of thought-provoking documentary films.
The festival will take place for more than 10 days, beginning from June 19 to 29, 2025 at the Labia Theatre, V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor and Bertha House Mowbray and The Bertha Movie House Isivivana Community Centre Khayelitsha.
Opening night will commence with ‘How to Build a Library’, which is a captivating film that highlights the main public library in Nairobi as a hub for understanding the colonial history of the nation while uncovering new opportunities for Kenyan graduates at home.
The film programme features around 70 gripping documentaries of varying lengths, that will showcase a diverse array of work from both award-winning filmmakers and emerging local talent.
Closer to home is ‘Fitting In’, which is a year in the life of the House Committee at Eendrag, and a men’s residence at Stellenbosch University confronted with a past that has not been forgotten.
Another heartfelt documentary was ‘Normal To Me’ that explores the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities at the Joyce Chevalier Centre in the coastal town of Fish Hoek.
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.
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These explore everything from women empowerment – Rise and Resist and historical memory and trauma – ‘Wounds and Whispers’ to the intersection of AI and education – ‘Rewiring Knowledge’ 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, in 2025, the festival continues its partnership with Vuma Pop-Up Cinema to provide screenings in underserved communities.
With a stellar lineup of award-winning feature films and short films, get ready to immerse yourself in the world of cinema at its best.