Friends of Encounters revitalised to support documentary festival

Seen as one of the premier documentary festivals in South Africa, it has been responsible for the growth of a cinema-going audience in the documentary genre since its inception in 1999 and reflects its commitment to showcasing the best in local and international documentary film in an environment that stimulates conversation and community between filmmakers, industry executives and the public.

Its Close Encounters documentary laboratory has played an important role in providing training and support for emerging and established filmmakers in Southern Africa and to date 40 films have been commissioned and produced. In addition to this platform, it also places emphasis on audience development, film literacy, and training in disadvantaged areas.

In 2003 and 2004, it ran the schools programme in the Western Cape, a successful exchange programme that brought learners from 18 schools in greater Cape Town to discuss racism and sexism. Carefully selected films engendered the debate and discussion. In this way, the work documentary film does in communities and within the context of nation building continues after the showing.

Membership comes in the form of financial support, provision of professional services and in kind sponsorship. The organisation is offering Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze membership packages. For more, go to www.encounters.co.za.