Encounters South African International Documentary Festival

Encounters South African International Documentary Festival 28th Encounters South African Int'l Documentary Festival taking place in Cape Town and Johannesburg from 4 - 14 June 2026.
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The premier documentary festival in Africa. Encounters is Africa's premier documentary festival, running in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

from 22 June - 2 July 2023

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http://www.encounters.co.za.

🥇 Winner: 2026 Encounters Central Film School Emerging Filmmakers Award🎬 Sonder | Directed by Thuthuka SibisiSonder is a...
16/06/2026

🥇 Winner: 2026 Encounters Central Film School Emerging Filmmakers Award
🎬 Sonder | Directed by Thuthuka Sibisi

Sonder is a striking and deeply assured film that challenges conventional ideas of masculinity through layered storytelling, powerful performances, and exceptional craft.

Through meticulous cinematography, sound design, and a script that trusts its audience, the film offers a fresh and perspective-shifting exploration of identity under unique circumstances. Its careful construction keeps viewers engaged while opening space for reflection, empathy, and dialogue.

Congratulations to Thuthuka Sibisi and the entire filmmaking team on this outstanding achievement.

The jury reviewed 14 films from South Africa's emerging filmmakers, seeking works that demonstrated creativity, a clear directorial vision, strong storytelling, and technical excellence. Sonder stood out as a film that speaks powerfully to both Southern African realities and universal human experiences.

Documentary Filmmakers Association of South Africa Central Film School

2nd Place Winner: 2026 Encounters Central Film School Emerging Filmmakers Award 🎬 Her Khaltsha | Directed by Robyn Phill...
16/06/2026

2nd Place Winner: 2026 Encounters Central Film School Emerging Filmmakers Award 🎬 Her Khaltsha | Directed by Robyn Phillips

Her Khaltsha is an empowering portrait of young women determined to break through barriers and challenge expectations.

With striking cinematography and a compelling sense of pace, the film captures the complexities of identity, gender, class, and access in sport, while celebrating the resilience of those who refuse to be confined by them.

Through powerful storytelling and unforgettable subjects, Her Khaltsha invites audiences to share in a journey of courage, resistance, and possibility.

Congratulations to Robyn Phillips and the entire filmmaking team on this well-deserved recognition.
Documentary Filmmakers Association of South Africa Central Film School

16/06/2026

3rd Place Winner: 2026 Encounters Central Film School Emerging Filmmakers Award 🎬 Before They Sold the Sky | Directed by Kai Reynolds

Before They Sold the Sky is a thoughtful and beautifully crafted documentary that balances reportage and autobiography with care and intention.

Blending historical inquiry with urgent ecological themes, the film reflects on the past while speaking directly to the present. Its investigative approach is seamlessly woven into striking cinematography, resulting in a compelling and accomplished work.

Congratulations to Kai Reynolds and the entire filmmaking team on this well-deserved recognition.

"This year’s winners in the Emerging Filmmakers category edify the world of cinema, shift perspectives and push the creative boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It has been this jury’s utmost honour to engage with these remarkable films."
Central Film School Documentary Filmmakers Association of South Africa

16/06/2026

🏆 Winner: 2026 Encounters Youth Experience (EYE) Award for Best African Short Film 🎬 WAT WAS HIE? Luke de k**k

WAT WAS HIE? reclaims a history too often overlooked, weaving narration, dance, rap and song into a powerful anti-colonial retelling of Cape Town's indigenous past.

By celebrating figures such as Krotoa and centring stories that have long been marginalised, the film offers a captivating, informative and deeply significant contribution to South African storytelling.

A heartfelt congratulations to the filmmakers on this remarkable achievement.

"Sponsoring the Encounters Youth Experience (EYE) Award for Best African Short Film allows us to celebrate bold, authentic voices and provide a platform for young filmmakers to share their stories with wider audiences," says Lola Gallant, Ster-Kinekor Brand Marketing Manager.
Ster-Kinekor Theatres

16/06/2026

2026 Encounters Youth Experience (EYE) Award Runner-Up
🎬 Her Khaltsha | Directed by Robyn Phillips

Her Khaltsha is a beautiful celebration of young women who have taken up cycling as a sport in Khayelitsha. Despite their circumstances and what people have to say about their choice to cycle, they continue to rise to the occasion.

The film encapsulates this resilience and celebrates these young Black women for defying the odds in a simplistic yet emotionally charged way.

What an important story to tell, and one that deserves to be shared with the rest of the world. A heartfelt celebration of courage, determination, and community.

"At Ster-Kinekor, we are deeply committed to championing South African and African storytelling, and nurturing the next generation of creative talent," says Lynne Wylie, Chief Marketing Officer of Ster-Kinekor.
Ster-Kinekor Theatres

16/06/2026

To our audiences, thank you for showing up with open hearts, curious minds, and a love for stories.

To our filmmakers, speakers, jurors, volunteers, venues, partners, sponsors, and funders THANK YOU for your generosity, collaboration, trust, and unwavering support.

We are filled with gratitude for every ticket booked, every discussion sparked, every standing ovation, every new friendship formed, and every returning festival-goer who continues to make Encounters feel like home.

Here’s to stories that help us understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Thank you for being part of Encounters 2026.

The festival may be over, but the stories and the conversations they inspire.

Until next year. ❤️🎬
National Film and Video Foundation Film Cape Town City of Cape Town Western Cape Government Documentary Filmmakers Association of South Africa SWISS FILMS Goethe-Institut Johannesburg DOK.fest München French Institute of South Africa Ster-Kinekor Theatres South African Guild Of Editors (SAGE) Durban FilmMart SA Talents Durban Rough Cut Lab Africa The Bioscope Independent Cinema L***a Theatre Bertha House berthamoviehouse The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation Clinix Health Group Politically Aweh

A moving screening of Amílcar, followed by an engaging discussion with director Miguel Eek and Pablo Pinedo Boveda of Ev...
14/06/2026

A moving screening of Amílcar, followed by an engaging discussion with director Miguel Eek and Pablo Pinedo Boveda of EveryWhere Films.

A poetic exploration of Amílcar Cabral’s life, legacy and vision for liberation that sparked thoughtful conversations long after the credits rolled.
Photography by: Kwei Shun-yu

What does it take to shape the story of an icon?Filmmakers, editors, students and documentary lovers gathered at the Goe...
14/06/2026

What does it take to shape the story of an icon?

Filmmakers, editors, students and documentary lovers gathered at the Goethe-Institut Johannesburgut for Cutting for Character, an insightful masterclass with acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard and editor Paul Trewartha. Through the lens of TUTU, the conversation explored the craft of documentary storytelling, editing, and the responsibility of bringing influential lives to the screen.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a rich afternoon of learning, reflection and exchange.

Missed the masterclass? You still have one last chance to experience TUTU at Encounters 2026.

🎬 Final screening today.
Don't miss this powerful portrait of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his enduring legacy.
Photography by Fanney Tsimong
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation Clinix Health Group

Some films ask questions.Others demand conversations.The Woman Who Poked the Leopard sparked an evening of thoughtful di...
14/06/2026

Some films ask questions.
Others demand conversations.

The Woman Who Poked the Leopard sparked an evening of thoughtful dialogue, bringing audiences and filmmakers together to explore stories of courage, accountability and the enduring power of speaking truth.

The conversation continues.
Photography by: Kwei Shun-yu

🚴🏾‍♀️ What does freedom look like?https://encounters.co.za/film/her-khaltsha/ In Her Khaltsha, Khayelitsha’s first all-g...
14/06/2026

🚴🏾‍♀️ What does freedom look like?
https://encounters.co.za/film/her-khaltsha/
In Her Khaltsha, Khayelitsha’s first all-girls cycling academy challenges expectations, builds sisterhood, and creates new paths forward—one ride at a time.

An inspiring story of courage, community, and young women redefining what's possible.

🎬 Her Khaltsha + Q&A
📍 L***a Theatre, Screen 1
🗓️ Today | 14:30

It's the final day of in Cape Town. Show up, support local stories, and be part of the conversation.

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