Laduuuuuuuuuma! The word arouses primal instincts within us:

The need to push ourselves to our limits; the need to compete; the need to be the best.

This year the Encounters Documentary Festival brings you four compelling films that deal with sport and the determination to compete on one's own terms.

BustinDown the Door - USA 2008 - 96min - Director: Jeremy Gosch

At the heart of surfing’s evolution, from a leisurely activity into a professional sport and billion dollar industry, there lies a tale of rare determination and courage, as a handful of South African and Australian surfers struggled to become something that had never before existed.

Zulu Surf Riders - South Africa 2007 - 50min - Zulu with subtitles
Directors: André Cronje & Carlos Francisco-

Zulu Surf Riders gives a fascinating glimpse of the future of surfing by showing how the sport is finding passionate devotees amongst the Zulu population of Kwazulu Natal, but they face unique challenges of their own.

Breaking the Line - South Africa 2007 - 45min - Director: Tamarin Kaplan

In South Africa, Rugby has never been just a game. To this day it is a flashpoint for cultural and political action and provokes extreme reactions from all segments of society.

How to Become a Hero - Serbia 2007 - Serbian with English subtitles Director: Mladen Mati

Forty, fat, unfit and frustrated, Mati has never realised his potential, nor made an action blockbuster ˆ the genre he so loves. Slouched and watching the Rotterdam Marathon, he decides to regain his self respect and pledges to run the Belgrade Marathon.

Encounters South African International Documentary Festival 2008

Date: 3 – 13 July 2008
Venue: Nu Metro Cinema
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Molo says: “ Thinking about shooting movies or commercials in Cape Town South Africa? Stay up-to-date on news, as well as ins-and-outs on the film industry in South Africa with our popular monthly Editor’s Picks Newsletter.”