Encounters has been fostering a strong and sustainable brand, with considerable support from the public and film community, for 25 years. Encounters is a Not-for-Profit and secures resources to fulfil its mandate to preserve and promote high-quality documentary filmmaking, both locally and internationally. Encounters is passionate about discovering and nurturing new talent, especially African filmmakers creating bold stories with new perspectives and innovation. The Festival plays a key role in developing the local documentary industry and exhibiting African films by women and emerging filmmakers who can hold their own on the global stage. Encounters has secured production, commissions (by local broadcasters) and funding for 48 completed films and strives for parity with as many as 50% of the films in the programme being home-made. Encounters offers an editing lab, producers’ workshop, one-on-one consultations and social events to nurture an inclusive and optimal networking environment for filmmakers entering the documentary landscape who may benefit from guidance and mentorship.