Latest news with #EncountersSouthAfricanInternationalDocumentaryFestival
eNCA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Documentary debuts at encounters international festival
JOHANNESBURG - The documentary Matabeleland debuts at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. It tells the haunting story of Chris Nyathi, a Zimbabwean man grappling with his father's unburied spirit and the trauma of over 20,000 lives lost. A powerful tale of healing and reconciliation, it speaks to all who have faced oppression.
Time Out
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Don't miss the last week of Encounters
Don't let the rain keep you away from a week of African creativity and insights, as the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival lights up screens across the city. This is the festival's 27th edition, and it runs until Saturday 29 June with screenings across the city taking place at The Labia Theatre (this year voted one of the world's most beautiful cinemas!), V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor and The Bertha Movie House in Khayelitsha "In 2024, Encounters presented three of the five documentaries later nominated for Oscars, including the winner 'No Other Land'," explains Mandisa Zitha, Director of Encounters. "This year we're raising the bar even higher with an excellent selection of films that speak to the role of the documentary and impact filmmaker in 2025." The 2025 program features close on 70 documentaries, spanning everything from intimate local stories to global social justice narratives. Certainly don't miss 'Fitting In', which takes a hard look at tradition and transformation at Stellenbosch University's Eendrag men's residence. Or Normal To Me, a tender, honest portrait of life at Fish Hoek's Joyce Chevalier Center for adults with intellectual disabilities. From abroad, How to Build a Library opened the festival with a poetic lens on Nairobi's iconic public library, tracing Kenya's complex colonial past while imagining futures for its youth. You'll find the full schedule for the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival over here. But it's not just about the films. The festival's final week also features a stellar lineup of panel talks and masterclasses, diving into themes as wide-ranging as memory and trauma (Wounds and Whispers), the role of AI in learning (Rewiring Knowledge), and women's voices in resistance movements (Rise and Resist).
IOL News
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
‘Womxn: Working' shed light on the struggles of South African sex workers
Womxn: Working - A powerful documentary on sex work activism in South Africa Image: Armand Hough/Independent Media A new documentary, 'Womxn: Working,' making its world premiere at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, sheds urgent light on the ongoing struggle of sex workers in South Africa. Directed by Shanelle Jewnarain and produced by Tiny Mungwe and Mitchell Harper, the film chronicles a journey of activism spanning a decade of activism, resilience, and relentless advocacy for decriminalisation and justice. The film, made possible by NFVF and KwaZulu-Natal Film and Tourism Authority, set against the backdrop of South Africa's alarming femicide crisis, 'Womxn: Working' follows the lives of prominent sex work activists such as Nosipho Vidima, Dudu Dlamini, Constance Mathe, and the late Ruvimbo Tenga. According to Sharlene Versfeld from Versfeld & Associates, these women are fighting in courtrooms and Parliament, leading protests, organising vigils, and supporting their communities from the ground up. 'Their stories are a testament to the courage and leadership of those fighting for their rights amidst systemic violence and societal stigma.' Filmed over ten years, the documentary exemplifies a collaborative approach rooted in the principles of 'Nothing about us, without us,' working closely with activist groups like SWEAT and Sisonke. Versveld stated that this partnership ensures that the voices of sex workers remain at the heart of the narrative, challenging stereotypes and highlighting their agency. 'The film explores key milestones in South Africa's sex workers' rights movement, including efforts to influence policy through the Asijiki Coalition, a coalition uniting trade unions, legal experts, gender rights organisations, and political allies. 'Their advocacy has led to calls for the long-awaited report from the Law Reform Commission on the legal status of sex work, igniting national debates and community engagement.' In addition, 'Womxn: Working' revisits campaigns like 'Say Her Name' and the legal case involving artist Zwelethu Mthethwa's prosecution for the murder of a sex worker, illustrating the ongoing fight for justice and recognition. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Our film shows sex workers as they've rarely been seen,' said director Shanelle Jewnarain. 'Not as subjects of pity, but as organisers, mothers, leaders, and fighters. I hope it disrupts stereotypes, prompts reflection, and challenges viewers to interrogate the systems that criminalise and punish women for survival while enabling the violence they endure. 'Through it all, these women find strength in solidarity, balancing activism with care work for their families and communities.' Producer Tiny Mungwe emphasised the importance of centering Black women's voices in the documentary, describing it as a deeply personal and communal journey. 'We have tried to push back stereotypes and focus on Black Womxn, who are often silenced. The film explores the polarising debate surrounding sex work in South Africa, where discussions tend to focus on morality rather than women's autonomy over their bodies.' SWEAT spokesperson Megan Lessing highlighted the broader significance of the film. 'This documentary honours the courage, resilience, and leadership of sex workers who have fought relentlessly for their rights, safety, and dignity. 'It's a story from the frontlines-led by sex workers themselves. We hope audiences understand that decriminalisation is not just policy reform; it's about recognising humanity and protecting the lives of sex workers.' 'Womxn: Working' will be screened at The Labia Theatre in Cape Town on Saturday, June 21, at 4:30 PM, with further screenings scheduled in Johannesburg. IOL Politics
The South African
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Four arts festivals in South Africa to brighten up your winter
We're spoiled for choice with arts festivals in South Africa that showcase the nation's booming cultural scene. And with the skies turning grey, there's no better time to appreciate the colourful creativity and thoughtful reflections the arts offer. Performances, screenings and lively discussions are coming to stages across the country. With a variety of genres represented, there's something for everyone. So, if you need a reason to leave the house this winter, these South African arts festivals could be your ticket. Let's take a look: The renowned Encounters South African International Documentary Festival returns for its 27th edition, running in both Cape Town and Johannesburg simultaneously. The gathering celebrates the documentary format and also includes several workshops for budding filmmakers. The bumper line-up of over 60 films represents stories from across the globe. Documentaries explore contemporary issues like climate justice, LGBTIQ+ rights and land rights. Location : Cape Town and Johannesburg : Cape Town and Johannesburg Dates: 19-29 June The crown jewel of South Africa's art festivals, the National Arts Festival returns with another jam-packed programme. It's the largest of its kind in Africa. The programme includes dance performances, comedy shows, a cappella groups and so much more. There's also a tribute to Athol Fugard, who died earlier this year, with two of his co-written plays. Furthermore, the gathering encompasses the National Youth Jazz Festival and the Eastern Cape Literature Festival. Location : Makhanda, Eastern Cape : Makhanda, Eastern Cape Dates: 26 June – 6 July Another fabulous South African arts festival this winter will take place in Durban. The Durban International Film Festival will light up the city with ten days of international and African productions. According to the programme, a common theme across films is human connection. Alongside the film festival, the Isiphethu Industry Programme provides an opportunity for filmmakers to connect and to enhance their craft. Workshops on funding and creating films take place over five days of the gathering. Location : Durban : Durban Dates: 17-27 July It's hard to imagine a more appropriately named winter festival than this one. The gathering specifically aims to rejuvenate the artistic scene in the Mother City during the quieter winter months. The line-up is multidisciplinary. There will be art exhibitions, as well as theatre works and comedy. Music aficionados will enjoy jazz and opera. Interestingly, there are also digital art exhibitions on the programme Location : Cape Town : Cape Town Dates: 6-16 August Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Encounters festival returns to celebrate documentaries that challenge power and promote change
The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is making a highly anticipated return to Cape Town and Johannesburg from June 19 to 29, showcasing an impressive selection of over 60 documentaries from more than 40 countries. Marking its 27th edition, festival manager Tarha McKenzie says the festival continues to be a vital platform for film-makers and audiences, providing a platform for stories that challenge authority, champion social justice, and explore the complexities of the human experience. McKenzie emphasised the unique strength of Encounters stating, 'Its strength lies in not imposing a fixed theme, but rather in allowing the themes to emerge organically from the films selected. In this way, the festival keeps its finger on the pulse, attuned to global trends and urgent contemporary issues. This year's compelling programme reveals recurring threads of memory, trauma, and identity; shaped by the stark realities of the present and the many ways we attempt to make sense of them. The programme interrogates the role of art as a force for impact, and knowledge as a form of resistance. They give voice to agency; stories that rise, rebel, and challenge power. Through these narratives, we don't merely observe the world; we feel it, question it, and reimagine our place within.' She also explains that film-makers featured in this year's lineup tackle formidable subjects, while also shedding light on disruptors standing against femicide, defending indigenous territories, and challenging corporate giants. McKenzie further articulated the urgency for spaces like Encounters, particularly in light of increasing censorship worldwide: 'The inclusion of documentaries from over 40 countries at Encounters is a powerful testament to the festival's relevance on the global stage. It speaks not only to the diversity of stories being told, but also to the vital need for platforms like Encounters; spaces that prioritise dialogue, inclusivity, and freedom of expression. In a world where censorship is on the rise, festivals like this are more essential than ever. They must be protected and nurtured, as spaces where voices can be heard, perspectives can meet, and critical conversations can thrive. Diverse stories from around the world reveal our shared struggles and histories, reinforcing the documentary genre's power to highlight universal themes,' she noted. The festival has also placed a strong emphasis on outreach, with initiatives designed to expose communities to the transformative power of documentary storytelling. McKenzie reflected, 'It's this grassroots impact that makes my work at Encounters truly meaningful.' One of the notable events shared is the festival's Iliso Lethu Symposium, focusing on the Pan-African non-fiction landscape, which premiered to resounding success last year, further enhancing its mission to celebrate African voices through cinema. 'This year, we rise! With a sharp eye and a bold heart, we bring the finest in non-fiction; stories that speak, stir, and stand tall,' said McKenzie, inviting audiences to engage with films that usher in a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern life. [email protected] Saturday Star
