This year’s Encounters festival boasts a diverse lineup of documentaries covering a wide range of topics. Here’s a glimpse at some of the films on offer:
Music:
Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg (USA): Dive into the captivating life of actress, model, and artist Anita Pallenberg, offering a glimpse into a world of artistic rebellion.
Playing the Changes – Tracking Darius Brubeck (Netherlands/Poland/South Africa/UK): Explore the legacy of jazz pianist Darius Brubeck and his fight for social change through music.
Ballaké Sissoko, Kora Tales (France/Mali/Senegal): Discover the history of the kora, a West African harp, and its influence on global music.
Mental Health:
Black People Don’t Get Depressed (South Africa/Canada/Zambia): A personal and timely documentary exploring mental health issues in Black communities.
The Friendship Bench (SA): A sensitive look at a Zimbabwean grassroots organization tackling mental health stigma in rural communities.
Environment:
My Mercury (co-directed by Joëlle Chesselet with Pippa Ehrlich) (South Africa): Witness the story of a lone conservationist battling to protect a Namibian seabird colony.
Wild Coast Warriors (South Africa): Join the fight against oil exploration threatening the Wild Coast and its communities.
Diary of an Elephant Orphan (SA): Experience the struggles and triumphs of orphaned baby elephants and their rescuers.
Every Little Thing (USA): A heartwarming documentary about a woman caring for injured hummingbirds.
These are just a few of the many films featured at the Encounters festival. With its focus on global issues, local stories, and captivating characters, the festival promises to be a treat for documentary enthusiasts.