Appeal to save Encounters festival

Owing to the SABC's new austerity measures, this principal sponsor of the documentary festival withdrew its financial support on Tuesday 19 May for the 2009 edition. Encounters is now faced with the task of raising sufficient funds in the coming week if the festival is to take place 2 - 19 July in Cape Town as planned.

It already has had to withdraw from Johannesburg this year, as the Gauteng Film Commission also withdrew its financial support.

One week to solve crisis

"We are appealing to individuals, government and the corporate sector to come forward to help save the festival. We now have one week to solve our funding crisis," said festival director Mandisa Zitha.

The festival, now in its 11th year, showcases South African and international talent and promotes the growth of the documentary industry. Encounters has screened hundreds of documentaries to an audience of over 80 000 people. It has commissioned over 40 documentaries and runs access programmes, outreach programmes, schools programmes, workshops, masterclasses and seminars.

"We hope that we can still receive sufficient support to ensure a successful festival this year. We believe, if we can get through this current crisis, we will be able to produce an even stronger 2010 edition" she added

Anyone who is able to provide financial support to the festival is urged to contact:

Steven Markovitz
Email
Tel +27 (0)21 465 4686
Cell +27 (0)83 261 1044