The Encounters South African Documentary Festival – SA’s longest-running event of this kind – showcases the most talked-about non-fiction films of the past year.

Encounters secured the rights to showcase 2019’s most acclaimed documentaries, and opened the festival by screening Buddha in Africa by South African director Nicole Schafer. According to Screen Africa:

“Encounters has secured […] movies that put you in places as diverse as the front row of high-fashion’s runways to eavesdropping on an international racist conspiracy with South African ties.”

Encounters will co-present several documentaries – both South African and International – in association with the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), which will take place in July.

Venues in Cape Town

Cinema Nouveau (Cape Town)

Book online to view the special screening of Public Figure on Sunday 16 June at the Cinema Nouveau at the V&A. It will be shown in a 140-seater theatre and is scheduled for 19:30.

Labia Theatre (Cape Town)

Those wishing to attend the screenings in Cape Town can head out to the Labia Theatre on 68 Orange Streets in Gardens. Take note that parking is limited, and the bar only accepts cash or SnapScan.

The Labia Theatre schedule is quite extensive. Films on show, times and other details can be found on the Encounters website.

Isivivna (Cape Town)

Head over to the Bertha Movie House in the Isivivana Centre on 8 Mzala Street in Khayelitsha for free screenings. No bookings required.

Tshisimani (Cape Town)

Free screenings are also hosted at the Tshisimani Centre for Activist Education in Bertha House on 67-69 Main Road in Mowbray.

The limited lineup at these theatres include:

Isivivna Saturday 15 June:

Zulu Return

Fall into the Sky

My Culture My Sky



Sunday 16 June

DOCi Shorts

Fanon Yesterday, Today Tshisimani Saturday 15 June

Village vs Empire

Beyond the Frontlines





Sunday 16 June

No films scheduled

Venues in Johannesburg

Those who want to attend the screenings in Johannesburg can head out to The Bioscope in the CBD, or Cinema Nouveau in Rosebank. Book online to secure a spot.