The annual Encounters film festival is on a search for feature, mid-length and short documentary films for the 25th edition.
It's coming up in June/July next year and the fact that it's happening is testimony to the determination of those who've ensured its survival over the years.
It was first launched in 1999 as a platform to showcase important documentaries and it's managed to remain an annual event despite a multitude of challenges.
The SABC used to be its principal sponsor but
withdrew back in 2009 during one of their many financial crises.
The festival was saved that year when various cultural groups came forward to assist with funding.
Since then several organisations, companies and individuals have funded the festival including the National Film and Video Foundation and the Sundance Institute.
This from the organisers about its essence:
Encounters aims to present films that entertain, engage, and inspire; and achieves this with the selection of documentaries spanning a wide array of themes for diverse local audiences.
The festival prides itself on discovering new works by documentary masters and emerging talent from South Africa and the broader African region.
During Covid the festival happened online and now it's become a combo of both real world and online screenings.
Selected documentaries are screened at venues in Cape Town and Joziburg and the festival hands out jury awards, which are dependent on the film category and sponsor.
If you'd like to submit a film, this is what you need to know:
The organisers are looking for South African and African films of various durations - short, mid-length and feature.
They're looking for films that resonate with diverse audiences, encompassing themes of social justice, politics, arts and culture, technology, current affairs, health, environmental and personal stories.
They can be local or international. Applications are free of charge for South African and African entries and international entries are $15.
These are links to the application forms for each:
South African/African entries
International entries
Important notes:
The festival will consider works in progress/rough cuts if your film will be ready in time for the Festival itself.
It's happening from
22 June to 2 July 2023.
Application deadline is:
Friday 10 March 2023 (11.59PM SAST)