Encounters Up Close and Personal with Compelling Life Stories

Documentary films put the focus on personal encounters and human tragedies

This years Encounters Documentary Film Festival digs deep into the human psyche to uncover the personal stories of public figures and the man on the street.

Personal tales tend to resonate with audiences as they see their own problems, insecurities, and joys in those faced by the film’s characters.

Now in its 11th year, the popular South African documentary film festival continues to bring the best local and international documentary films to South African audiences.

The film festival showcases around 40 local and international films each year. With a 50/50 split of international and South African documentary films the festival is a good indication of the filmmaking talent both in South Africa and aboard.

The festival’s films fall into numerous categories – with films often presenting more than one theme and overlapping into more than one category.

Personal Tragedy and Tradition vs. Modernity emerge as strong themes at the 2009 Encounters Festival.

The festival offers everything from the authentic African story to the international caper.

Daughter of Spirits Mother of Mine shares the story of one women’s struggle with tradition and her resistance to take up a calling from her ancestors.

The Champagne Spy tells a story of espionage, hierarchy, and the spy who fell in love with an exceptional life that was nothing like his own.

Who killed Maggie continues with the political theme and introduces a little political controversy to the festival. After 11 years as one of Britain’s most influential politicos Margaret Thatcher was ousted by her own party in a Grecian Tragedy of Matricide.

Witness a story of betrayal like no other in this political drama.

With so many intriguing tales there will be plenty to keep you busy at the 2009 Encounters Documentary Film Festival.

Encounters South African International Documentary Festival 2009:

Date: 3 - 19 July 2009
Venue: Nu Metro Cinema
Location: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Price: R33 p/p*
Contact: +27(0)21 465 4686
Website: www.encounters.co.za

*Tickets can be purchased online on the Encounters website or at the V&A Waterfront box office

To not let this festival go by (again) make sure you have looked through the completed Encounters Festival Overview.

An absolute recommendation is our new events section for a look at the individual Encounter Festival Day.

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