The festival will take place from 4–14 June 2026 in Cape Town and Johannesburg. In Cape Town, screenings will be held at The Labia Theatre and Ster-Kinekor at the V&A Waterfront. 

This year’s programme features 58 documentaries from 33 countries, presented across 116 screenings. 

“Encounters is proud to return as Africa’s leading documentary festival, once again launching in our home city of Cape Town. This year, we celebrate documentaries that move beyond the complexities of the current global moment to embrace light, love and hope. We have brought together both established and emerging filmmakers from around the world to share stories that move beyond the fast pace of the news cycle, offering audiences a deeper connection to the lives and hearts of their characters.  

Our comprehensive industry programme features award-winning filmmakers and experts from diverse fields, creating meaningful conversations that connect documentary storytelling to the lived realities and historical legacies that shape our world. We are delighted to once again gather in community around documentary cinema” said Mandisa Zitha, Encounters Festival Director. 

Projects filmed in Cape Town and created by Cape Town-based filmmakers

• A Place called Paradise  

• Amigo The Griot  

• Before They Sold the Sky  

• Bones  

• Concerto   

• Curtain Call  

• Die Lopende Ambulanse  

• Eyes to see filmmaker  

• Her Khaltsha  

• INYEMBEZI ZENDODA  

• Notes from the Underground   

• talking to Family  

• WAT WAS HIE?  

Cape Town is also featured in two international documentaries – TUTU and Tristan Forever which are part of the Encounters International Selection.  

Tickets for screenings start at R90 and can be booked via Quicket. The full festival schedule is available at www.encounters.co.za, and film trailers can be viewed on YouTube. 

The post Encounters 2026 Unveils Programme Featuring 13 Cape Town Films appeared first on Film Cape Town.

The film fund provides financial support or municipal services support for film projects produced in Cape Town.

The fund aims to support productions that drive local economic development and create job opportunities across the broader film and media value chain.

It also seeks to select projects that strengthen Cape Town’s emerging talent base through targeted upskilling and training initiatives.

‘This is the third call of the film fund and marks a significant step in the City’s continued commitment to strengthening Cape Town’s film and media industry. Building on the success of previous rounds, we are proud to further support a sector that continues to play a vital role in attracting investment and strengthening Cape Town’s position as a leading global production hub.

‘The strong performance of last year’s funded projects is a testament to the impact of this initiative, with productions gaining both local and international traction. This includes Wild Waterfront – a finalist at the 2026 International Tourism Film Festival Africa taking place in June. We look forward to supporting a new wave of projects that will continue to elevate Cape Town’s presence,’ said Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. 

The City is seeking projects that align with the following criteria:

• Projects that stimulate local economic growth and create jobs within the City of Cape Town;
• Film and media projects that highlight and promote the unique aspects of Cape Town;
• Initiatives that support and upskill emerging talent in the film and media sector within Cape Town;
• Programmes that drive sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the local film and media landscape;
• Projects that authentically portray Cape Town’s rich history and cultural heritage; and
• Film and media projects with the capacity to attract direct investment into the City of Cape Town.

Film projects that can be considered for funding includes production, post-production funding for short films, feature films such as animation, interactive gaming, live action music videos, commercials, and reality TV series.

Projects must be completed within the City’s financial year (1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027).

Ineligible projects and exclusions:

• Adult content
• Training videos or corporate videos
• Current affairs or news shows
• Purchasing of equipment/assets

The Film Support Application form, Project Plan form and the documents checklist will be available to download from the City of Cape Town website.

Email completed application with supporting documentation to Film.Fund@capetown.gov.za

No hand-delivered applications will be accepted.

More information, FAQs and comprehensive application criteria are available here and on the City’s website.

Film Fund submissions are open until 31 May 2026.

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The City of Cape Town has officially announced the beneficiaries of its 2025/26 Film Fund, reaffirming its ongoing commitment to supporting local storytelling and strengthening the city’s position as a global film and media hub.

In this funding cycle, five productions have been selected, spanning a diverse mix of formats and genres. The slate includes two television series, two documentaries, one feature film, and one short animation series, each contributing to a rich and representative tapestry of South African stories.

Designed to empower both emerging and established filmmakers across the metro, the Film Fund supports original content that amplifies local voices, promotes diverse narratives, and showcases Cape Town’s unique creative landscape.

Following an extensive evaluation process, the selected projects are:

• Spinners (TV Series) by Backstory Films
• Aquanauts: Beneath The Surface (Documentary) by Community Media Trust
• Silas en die Ysbeer op Tafelberg (Feature Film) by Nagvlug Films
• Omdraai (Documentary) by Kindergarten Films
• Animal Therapy (Short Animation Series) by Studio Bo

‘We’re happy to announce our second slate of productions to be funded this year. These projects will benefit from a dedicated film fund designed to spark authentic storytelling. Through this initiative, they will receive support from our film fund created to help bring real, meaningful stories to life, stories that reflect the city’s people, history, and everyday experiences. As part of a broader effort to support and grow the creative sector, developing local skills, creating opportunities for new talent, encouraging international collaboration, and further establishing Cape Town as a top destination for film. We congratulate this year’s recipients and wish them every success with their projects,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

The selected projects are currently being filmed across multiple locations in Cape Town, with various areas serving as backdrops to their stories. These projects are also progressing through different stages of production.

A word from the filmmakers

Spinners Season Two by Backstory Films:

On behalf of all our team, it is a great honor that Spinners Season 2 is supported by the City of Cape Town, which is increasingly involved in the audiovisual industry, supporting local creators and teams whose talent is undeniable.

Aquanauts: Beneath The Surface by Community Media Trust (CMT):

The CMT team is proud to have the opportunity to tell this story in our hometown and is grateful to the City of Cape Town Film Fund for assisting us to do so. The opportunity to hear these stories from those who lived them is an incredible chance to record their history and memory.

Silas en die Ysbeer op Tafelberg by Nagvlug Films:

We are deeply grateful and humbled to receive support from the City of Cape Town’s Film Fund for Silas en die Ysbeer op Tafelberg. This film was born from a love for Cape Town – shaped by the mythology of Table Mountain and the city’s rich folklore. With the City’s support, we are now able to carry that piece of Cape Town beyond our shores and share it with the world.

Omdraai by Kindergarten Films:

Kindergarten Films is delighted to receive funding from The Cape Town Film Fund and the City of Cape Town to complete the Post Production on our documentary “Omdraai”, in which we follow seven young girls from a small rural village in the Western Cape on their journey to participate in the International Ballet Competition in Cape Town. Knowing that there are very few such opportunities, we feel particularly honoured that our work on the project so far has been recognised as worthy of completion. Our hope – and aim – is to produce a beautiful film that will make everyone proud.

Animal Therapy by Studio Bo:

Studio Bo is thrilled to have been awarded funding for the pilot of our web series Animal Therapy. We have been hoping to develop a series for a while now but haven’t had the budget to get an idea off the ground. This is a huge privilege, and we can’t wait to get cracking!

Synopsis:

Spinners Season Two: The Underdogs have become massive spinning stars living a new life, but Ethan will soon realize that he cannot escape his past, as it comes calling when Hercules needs him for one last job. At the same time, he will be confronted by the biggest crime family from Soweto, whose troubled son Sayi becomes his main spinning rival.

Aquanauts: Beneath The Surface: The documentary follows Nicolas Smith as he uncovers the legacy of his grandfather, who founded South Africa’s first Black diving club during apartheid. Through personal reflection and historical insight, the film highlights the club’s role in challenging racial barriers and celebrates its lasting impact on both the diving community and the fight for equality.

Silas en die Ysbeer op Tafelberg: A richly imaginative live-action fantasy that transforms Cape Town’s beloved Table Mountain into the beating heart of a child’s quest through grief, wonder, and the magic of storytelling.

Omdraai: (Turn Around) weaves together two interrelated stories: a real and metaphorical journey taken by seven young ballet dancers of colour, their teacher Miss Mary and her assistant Miss Ennie, who go from a small rural village to Cape Town to experience an international ballet competition. This is dove-tailed with a back-story that uncovers village community challenges, where the socio-economic circumstances and burdens of families are revealed. The film tells of the determination needed to rise out of low self-esteem and lack of opportunity, and how individuals and a rallying community can together make magic and bring about significant change.

Animal Therapy: Animal Therapy is a short-form musical animation series for kids set in an imaginative version of Cape Town, where young animal friends visit a warm animal therapist to talk (and sing!) about the big feelings they’re facing – from friendship troubles to first-day nerves. With heart, humor, and a song in every session, Animal Therapy helps kids explore emotions in a fun, gentle, and meaningful way.

The post City of Cape Town announces 2025/26 Film Fund beneficiaries appeared first on Film Cape Town.

Roots Film Festival is a community-driven, environmentally conscious film festival that champions reconnection with nature as a catalyst for addressing social challenges. Through thoughtfully curated screenings, engaging discussions, and creative activations, the festival amplifies underrepresented voices while cultivating meaningful dialogue and community connection.

This weekend the event will host panel discussions, a master class, networking opportunities, live
artist performances and screening the film Hanover Park: Our Home.

🎬 Festival Programme — 28 February 2026
10:30 AM – Arrival
11:00 AM – Opening Ceremony
11:30 AM – Welcome by Directors: Overview of the Day and Festival Intentions;
Introduction to All Organizations and Artists, Grab Popcorn
12:00 PM – Screening: Hanover Park: Our Home
12:15 PM – Panel Discussion
12:45 PM – Festival Break: Popcorn Refill, Snacks, and Networking
1:15 PM – Screening: Temperature Rising
1:45 PM – Panel Discussion
2:15 PM – Break: Lunch and Networking, Artist Performance
3:00 PM – Garden of Freedom Master Class
3:45 PM – Screening: Back Streets
4:30 PM – End of Festival with Artist Performance

📍 Event Details
Event: Roots Film Festival — Hanover Park Edition
Date: 28 February 2026
Venue: First Community Resource Centre, Hanover Park, Cape Town
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: Free

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This announcement follows discussions held during the State of the Nation Address earlier this year, marking a significant step toward positioning South Africa as a global hub for film, media and entertainment.  

Under the STAGES initiative, the DHA has unveiled a new digital platform that streamlines visa applications for international production companies seeking to work in South Africa. The platform aims to cut red tape, reduce processing times and enhance security through innovative technological reform.  

According to the DHA, companies with a proven track record in the film and creative sectors are invited to submit an expression of interest to join STAGES by visiting https://touroperator.dha.gov.za:8443 and selecting the relevant portal. 

For more information and the full press release click here Home Affairs boosts film and creative industry with new digital visa scheme | South African Government (www.gov.za) 

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This new amended by-law will allow the Film Permit Office to better manage filming activity on private and public property. It will also assist the Film Office to balance the economic benefits of filming activities with the needs of residents and businesses as well as ease any short-term disruptions linked to filming. 

At the same time, permitting officers will play an important role in assisting both residents and the film industry by managing the impact of filming activities. This is to ensure a balanced approach that respects community concerns while also supporting permitted productions.   

‘The film industry landscape has evolved since the promulgation of the Filming By-Law in 2005 and as the City, we always want our legislation to align with current industry standards. These amendments are also in line with the City’s Film Policy, approved by council in 2022, that called for more efficient management and regulation of film-related activities. We believe these changes will provide comfort to all residents, affected role-players and stakeholders that we are managing the film permitting processes in an efficient, effective and sustainable manner that takes their rights into consideration,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith. 

The Events and Film Department, in consultation with the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, has formulated a document that streamlines the permission process for the film industry, while also addressing the concerns of residents. 

‘When we started the process of reviewing the filming by-law, we wanted to ensure that we find a balance between the rights of residents and providing an environment that is enabling the film industry to thrive. During the public participation process, we heard the voices of our residents as well as those representing the film industry, and we have produced a framework that will be fair to both. It will also ensure that the City can act against those who fail to comply and institute fines for contravening the Filming By-law,’ said the Chairperson of the Safety and Security Portfolio Committee, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe. 

The City’s Filming By-law aims to, among other things: 

• Manage and regulate filming activities on private and public property in an effective, consistent and sustainable manner 

• Identify the types of filming activities that require a film permit 

• Simplify the film permit application and appeals process 

• Allow the City to act to ensure compliance 

• Protect the City and authorised City officials when carrying out any duty or function in terms of this By-law                                                                                                                                                

The Filming By-law will foster an efficient and safe environment for filming that benefits the film industry, local businesses, and the public, while strengthening the relationship between local government, residents, and industry stakeholders. 

The Filming By-law will be available for viewing on the City of Cape Town website.

The post New Filming By-law in effect from 1 November 2025 appeared first on Film Cape Town.

The City of Cape Town is in the process of re-establishing task teams to work collaboratively with the film and media industry in addressing key challenges currently affecting the sector.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to reconnect, rethink, readapt, and reposition Cape Town as a leading destination for film and media production in South Africa and across the African continent.

We invite all industry stakeholders, including film associations, crew agencies, location and talent agents, training initiatives/schools, studios, and other professionals, to nominate representatives to serve on the task teams.

Click here to serve on the task team. Sign up by 25 June 2025

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The session will allow the City and the film industry to discuss challenges and triumphs and plan for the season ahead.

Engagements will also focus on locations, the permit process, City support, and the mooted Filming By-law 2024.

Date: 3 June 2025

Venue: City Hall

Time: 08:00 – 16:30

RSVP by 26 May 2025

The post Cape Town Film Industry Briefing appeared first on Film Cape Town.

Nominations for experienced and visionary leaders in the film industry to join its inaugural Advisory Board are now open.

Board members will be responsible for shaping the film fund’s strategic direction and provide guidance on the assessment criteria for funding requests for film-related activities.

They will also conduct a biannual review of film funding proposals received and recommend the most promising projects.

Nominated persons should possess the following:

• Demonstrable expertise and a strong portfolio in the film industry (whether short films, feature films, directing, producing or scriptwriting).
• Proven ability to guide and influence industry practices
• A genuine dedication to nurturing and supporting film projects in Cape Town
• An understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the film sector

‘This Film Fund has the potential to further uplift an already booming Cape Town industry going into the future. It is yet another mechanism that the City will be using to support the sector’s growth. It is a unique opportunity to shape the future of film in Cape Town and support emerging talent across all segments of the industry. We believe film industry professionals can really contribute to this next chapter of our city’s film legacy by lending their expertise to help transform visions into reality. I would like to call on all members of the film industry to please nominate suitable candidates who can assist in continuing to provide an enabling environment for the film industry,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

To nominate yourself or another person, please submit the following:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
• A brief statement (max 500 words) outlining why the nominee would be a valuable addition to the Advisory Board
• Any supporting materials or references that demonstrate the nominee’s impact in the film industry

The closing date for applications is 30 June 2024.

Send nominations to Film.Policy@capetown.gov.za

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MIP Africa, in collaboration with FAME Week Africa, is delighted to announce the commencement of submissions for the highly anticipated Project Pitch Sessions.

This exclusive invitation extends to the most brilliant minds and innovative project ideas from across the continent, seeking co-production, commissioning, or licensing partnerships.

It is an opportune moment to embark on a transformative journey that could propel your project to unprecedented heights of success.

Last year, the Project Pitch Sessions captivated the attention of industry giants such as Netflix, Prime Video, Multichoice, and e.TV, who eagerly secured their spots.

This year, we are reintroducing an open session for buyers, providing an unrivalled platform for emerging talents to captivate and establish valuable partnerships. Seize this moment to shine on the global stage, where the world eagerly awaits the sheer brilliance of African storytelling.

Reflecting upon the resounding success of last year’s sessions, Martin Hiller, Portfolio Director of FAME Week Africa built by RX Africa, states, “The greenlighting of numerous projects resulting from these pitch sessions not only exemplifies the exceptional quality of African storytelling but also underscores the insatiable global appetite to experience the diverse voices emanating from Africa.”

Submissions are now open, and the deadline to grasp this remarkable opportunity is 31 July.

FAME Week Africa encourage African content creators, producers, and storytellers to unlock their creative potential and present their projects to influential industry professionals. Your voice, your vision, and your story eagerly await discovery.

The submissions categories will cover features, documentaries, formats, and series, both scripted and non-scripted. Whether you have an engaging feature film, a thought-provoking documentary, an innovative format or series, or a captivating scripted or non-scripted production, we invite you to share your work and contribute to the vibrant African storytelling landscape.

Pitches will take place during MIP Africa, from 4 to 6 September in the Host City of Cape Town.

Categories

Explore the submission categories, criteria, and important deadlines for your project at the official MIP Africa website.

There, you will discover the submission form eagerly anticipating your unique narrative. Embrace the limitless potential of your imagination and let your creativity thrive without constraints. Submit your project now and embark on a remarkable journey at MIP Africa.

Selected participants will relish the unparalleled opportunity to directly present their ideas to a distinguished panel comprising commissioning editors, co-producers, and licensors during the esteemed FAME Week Africa.

This represents your pivotal moment to make an indelible mark on the industry, forging connections that can profoundly shape the trajectory of your project and open doors to global recognition.

MIP Africa, renowned for its unwavering commitment to promoting African talent and content, once again aligns forces with FAME Week Africa to empower and amplify the voices of emerging creators.

This exceptional collaboration seeks to nurture international partnerships, expand the reach of African narratives worldwide, and fuel the growth and diversification of African storytelling.

Hiller declares, “We firmly believe that African storytellers possess a unique perspective that warrants global recognition. Through the Project Pitch Sessions, we are resolutely committed to providing an exceptional platform that nurtures creativity, fosters connections, and propels African content onto the global stage.”

For further information regarding the Project Pitch Sessions and the submission process, please visit www.fameweekafrica.com or contact martin.hiller@rxglobal.com.

Unleash the door to infinite possibilities and embark on a transformative journey that has the potential to alter your life and redefine the landscape of African storytelling.

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