We’re pleased to announce a strategic new partnership between Durban FilmMart, Filmmart.Africa and the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival—Africa’s leading platform for documentary film. This collaboration strengthens our commitment to fostering meaningful industry engagement, and offers a powerful new space for film professionals and audiences to explore non-fiction storytelling from Africa and around the world.
Encounters 2025: Now Available on Filmmart.Africa
The 27th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival runs from 19 to 29 June 2025 and features over 60 international and African documentaries. Screenings will take place at:
Cape Town: Labia Theatre & V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor
Johannesburg: The Bioscope & The Zone @ Rosebank
The 2025 Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is shaped by five powerful themes that reflect our complex global reality and the role of documentary in navigating it. The Frightening Reality of Now addresses urgent issues such as war, climate collapse, and rapid technological shifts, offering critical reflection rather than alarm. Ways of Learning explores alternative and indigenous knowledge systems, challenging conventional approaches to education. Memory, Trauma and Identity delves into personal and collective histories, revealing how memory informs who we are. Art and Impact celebrates the transformative power of creativity as a catalyst for social and political change, while Agency – Standing up to Power honours the individuals and communities who resist injustice and speak truth to power. Together, these themes create a thought-provoking and timely lens through which to view the world—and ourselves.
The full festival schedule is now live on both the Encounters website and on Filmmart.Africa. Users can explore the lineup in detail and connect directly with featured filmmakers through the platform.
Durban FilmMart Institute Alumni at Encounters
The Durban FilmMart Institute (DFMI) is proud to announce the alumni projects which will be showcased at this year’s Encounters Festival:
Opening the festival is “How to Build a Library” by Chris King & Maia Lekow.
Featured in the programme:
“Abo Zaabal 89” by Bassam Mortada
“Capturing Water” by Rehad Desai
“Womxn: Working” by Shanelle Jewnarain
Participating in the Rough Cut Lab Africa Programme:
“Big Boys Don’t Cry” by Mohamed Mustapha
“Truck Mama” by Zippy Nyaruri
These projects, first developed through DFMI’s incubation and market access programmes, now form part of the continent’s most vital documentary showcase.
Filmmart.Africa Partnership
Through this partnership, Filmmart.Africa becomes a digital companion to the 27th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, offering users access to filmmaker profiles, in-depth project information, curated insights, and opportunities for connection. This initiative supports the growth of the African film ecosystem by expanding access to stories, professionals, and opportunities beyond the physical festival venues.
Partnerships like this between Filmmart.Africa and Encounters demonstrate the power of aligning platforms, institutions, and storytellers to amplify visibility and accelerate growth. Digital tools are no longer optional—they are essential in enabling access, breaking down borders, and creating the kinds of networks that lead to meaningful, long-term opportunities.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, producer, or passionate film enthusiast, Filmmart.Africa is your gateway to engage, connect, and thrive in this dynamic ecosystem.
Sign up today at www.filmmart.africa to explore the Encounters 2025 programme, connect with filmmakers, and access valuable industry insights.
About Filmmart.Africa
Filmmart.Africa is a dedicated online platform for Africa’s film industry. Users can:
Explore the filmmakers and documentary projects featured at Encounters 2025
Discover companies, producers, and collaborators working across the continent
Access curated industry resources and insights
Film events and markets from Africa and around the world, including major festivals, labs, and networking opportunities
Build connections with professionals at every level of the industry
Signing up is free and gives you full access to the Encounters showcase and the broader Filmmart.Africa network. Visit www.filmmart.africa to register.
Registration for the 16th Durban FilmMart is OPEN.
The Durban FilmMart Institute receives principal funding from the Durban Film Office and eThekwini Municipality.
