Encounters Newsletter May 2024

We invite you to the Encounters Iliso Lethu African Documentary Symposium20 — 21 June 2024 in Cape Town | 66 Greatmore, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa liso Lethu seeks to be the intellectual centrepiece of the African documentary calendar, ushering in a new era of alliance and exposure on the continent. The symposium is a space for industry practitioners, established and emerging filmmakers, academics, historians, government representatives and civil society, to engage in critical conversations about the state of African documentary and the community’s challenges and opportunities. The gathering will include a keynote introduction with leading experts and a range of panel discussions with filmmakers and guest speakers. This inaugural event is the perfect opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for African documentaries and have a vision to help shape the future of documentary and network-building in Africa. Programme highlights:  KEYNOTE INTRODUCTION CINEMATIC CITIES: ACTIVISM AND URBAN APARTHEID AMIDST 30 YEARS OF SOUTH AFRICAN DEMOCRACY EXPANDING HORIZONS: LEVERAGING ARCHIVES AND DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR INCLUSIVE STORYTELLING IN SOUTH AFRICAN DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING  INSPIRE ACTION! DOCUMENTARY X THE CLIMATE CRISIS STORIES THAT MATTER: TACTILE, ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE FILMMAKING Join us for an enriching experience! Tickets are R200 each. Secure your spot and purchase your tickets here. Encounters Community Festivals: Doc Activate Season alumni teams next editions! CineBa! Film Festival posterIn 2023, the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, in collaboration with NFVF/PESP, launched the groundbreaking Encounters Community Festivals: Doc Activate Season. This initiative aimed to empower emerging provincial audience initiatives across South Africa, igniting local talent and bolstering the nation’s film industry. Through this programme, 112 jobs were created, nurturing skills among newcomers to the field. The Festival Mentorship and Audience Development components attracted passionate individuals seeking hands-on experience, resulting in the successful execution of vibrant local events coupled with a robust digital presence. These festivals served as catalysts for unity and education, perfectly aligned with the overarching goals of Encounters and NFVF. Participants not only gained invaluable industry networks but also honed their skills in festival management, programming, marketing, and logistics. With themes ranging from music and crime/politics to climate/sustainability, each festival showcased the creativity and diversity of South Africa’s cultural landscape. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Encounters Community Festivals: Doc Activate Season alumni teams, particularly the Kgorong Film Festival (Limpopo) and CineBa! Film Festival (Free State), for securing support from the National Film and Video Foundation for their upcoming editions. The Kgorong Film Festival, held in Polokwane, Limpopo, celebrates the fusion of creative arts and film, spotlighting local talent and promoting cultural and social awareness.  Meanwhile, the CineBa! Film Festival serves as a dynamic platform for South Africa’s community-focused filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, fostering the cultural potential of African cinema. The 2024 edition delved into the theme of “Tempermanence,” exploring discussions on the intersection of temporary and permanence in cultural narratives. CineBa! recently concluded a successful weekend of cinema from April 26th to April 28th, 2024, at 56 Oliver Tambo Road, Bloemfontein Central, drawing a full attendance to their enriching, free Film Festival experience. Encounters joined the Cannes Docs Community Cannes Docs marketing assets Picture this: the vibrant heartbeat of Africa pulsating through the prestigious Cannes Docs stage, as the rhythms of a continent unite in a kaleidoscope of culture, creativity, and community.  The inclusion of the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival within the esteemed Cannes Docs lineup ignited a jubilant celebration, infusing the global documentary landscape with the rich tapestry of African narratives. This fusion proved to be an electrifying showcase of Africa’s diverse voices and untold stories.  With filmmakers from across the continent converging to share their visions, Cannes Docs became a dynamic platform for dialogue, discovery, and collaboration, amplifying the voices of African storytellers on a global scale.  Cannes Docs offered a dedicated venue and tailored programme of events for all creative documentary film professionals – filmmakers and industry experts alike!  Situated at the heart of the world’s n°1 film festival and market, Cannes Docs reinforces the fundamental place of the documentary genre and works at ever-strengthening its organic integration within the global film industry.  To this end, Cannes Docs featured the annual Doc Day, an exclusive day-long celebration of documentary cinema and its essential role in our contemporary societies.  Cannes Docs is committed to being as useful, relevant and welcoming as possible for documentary filmmakers of all backgrounds and origins, as well as for the key players in the field. The South Africa delegation to Cannes Film Festival was supported by the National Film and Video Foundation of South Africa. The 26th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is calling on documentary enthusiasts to volunteer for the 2024 Festival.  Encounters is a well-established film festival, which showcases local and international documentaries and runs various workshops, panels and master classes. APPLICATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 7 JUNE 2024 This opportunity is open to all people regardless of experience but the following criteria would be an advantage: Communication Skills; Computer Literacy; Technical skills; Writing skills; Own car (but not required) and Cellphone and Film Industry Experience. You must be based in Cape Town or Johannesburg as this is where our festival takes place. Apply here.