Film festival kicks off at Cinema Nouveau screened by Jameson

This year's programme - compiled by festival organisers Rehad Desai, Karam Singh & Zivia Desai - includes some of the most acclaimed social and political documentaries currently on the international festival circuit, as well as four poignant feature length films.

Desai says: "From the sublime to the absurd, the tragic and comic, the slate of films this year explore compelling issues that will challenge and inspire South African audiences."

This year has seen massive growth in the festival's development. For the first time the organisers have achieved their goal of having three festivals - now in South Africa, in Venezuela in November 2005 and in India in January 2006. In a mere three years, the festival has become a truly international event celebrating the recognition of global human rights.

"Through its affiliation to the Human Rights Film Network (launched in Prague in 2004), the festival has been fortunate to access the highest quality films that have travelled the festival circuit to great acclaim. Through networking with like-minded festivals around the world, the festival 2005 features the strongest selection of films thus far."

Tickets cost R30 per show; Vitality and Ster-Kinekor Movie Club concessions apply including half-price Tuesday for club members. Bookings at cinema or via Ster-Kinekor Ticketline 082 16789 or online at www.sterkinekor.com (Visa & Mastercard).

Go to www.3continentsfestival.co.za for additional information and a festival schedule.