The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is the country’s formative documentary event, screening contemporary South African and International features and short documentaries. For the 26th year in a row, the festival brings documentary-lovers a selection of over 50 diverse films available to watch at select cinemas in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The films fall under various categories, including feature documentaries and short documentaries from international and African filmmakers. Each film offers a unique look into a specific and unique pocket of the world. Featured documentary short, '6SENSE' (2023), deals with music and its role in a gqom artist's journey in overcoming the troubles associated with their disability, while 'Black People Don't Get Depressed' (2024) delves into the ways in which issues of mental health go underacknowledged within black African communities.
On the international front, 'Bye Bye Tiberias' (2023) chronicles the life and family history of the Palestinian actress, Hiam Abbas. These are just a few of the many diverse films screening at the festival that are not to be missed. Attendees can also join live Q&As, Panel Discussions and Industry Events with acclaimed and emerging filmmakers discussing their latest films, or watch the pre-recorded Q&As.
