The Encounters team are pleased to announce that the Festival will go ahead as planned, despite the shortfall in funding, from 2 – 19 July at the Nu Metro cinemas, V&A Waterfront. The programme of 40 films includes 15 World Premières, 14 multiple international-award winning films, Q&A sessions with 21 guests and 3 Panel Discussions. In addition there will be two Master Classes.

Encounters made a public plea for support when it was announced that the SABC would withdraw its support – and many individuals and organisations have since pledged both money and in-kind donations.

The festival’s new financial supporters include Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Jan Vrijman Fund / IDFA, the Africa Centre and many individuals who have joined the ‘Friends of the Festival’ programme including Carrol Boyes, Mfundi Vundla, William Kentridge and others.

“We are grateful for the support shown by the industry, funders and the press. It has added relevance to what we do”, said Festival Director, Mandisa Zitha.

Encounters is making a last appeal for members of the public to join the Friends of the Festival club. To join Encounters requests a donation of R 1000 or more by 18 June 2009.

In return Encounters will offer Friends Opening Night tickets to the screening of Rewind, directed by Liza Key. The film is about the creation of Philip Miller’s acclaimed cantata - Rewind: A Cantata for Voice, Tape and Testimony. Both Key and Miller will attend the screening.
In addition Encounters will issue Friends 10 complimentary tickets for Festival screenings.
Friends will be acknowledged on the Encounters website, unless they wish to remain anonymous.

In November 2008 Encounters registered a non-profit Section 21 Company - the Encounters Training and Development Institute 2008/026397/08.

It is governed by a Board of Directors, who are:
- Kgomotso Matsunyane – Television Producer (TOM Pictures)
- - Dr Susan Levine – Anthropologist (UCT)
- - Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC – Chairman, AVUSA and Barloworld Limited
- - Professor Ciraj Rassool – Historian (UCT and UWC)
- - Mandisa Zitha – Festival Director, Encounters
- - Nodi Murphy – Co-Founder, Encounters
- - Steven Markovitz – Co-Founder, Encounters

In line with the requirements for a Section 21, the Encounters Training and Development Institute is subject to an annual audit.

The bank account details for all donations is:
Nedbank
Gardens Cape Town
Branch Code: 10 100 900
Account Name: Encounters Training & Development Institute
Acc No.: 1010 113518 (Current Account)

So that we may track donations, Friends are requested to send proof of deposit by email or fax to:
reception@encounters.co.za
021 461 69 64

Encounters will require an email address and telephone number in order to send Friends their Opening Night invitations and complimentary tickets.

Thank you in advance for your support. For any queries contact Irmgard Schreiber on project@encounters.co.za.

The Festival is sponsored and supported by the National Film and Video Foundation, Cape Film Commission, Jan Vrijman Fund/ IDFA, Pro Helvetia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC, Africa Centre, The Times, Nu Metro, Tempest, French Embassy, High Commission of Canada, British Council, Business Arts South Africa, Exclusive Books, Goodman Gallery and Cape Town TV.

11th Encounters South African International Documentary
2-19 July
V&A Waterfront Nu Metro, Cape Town
www.encounters.co.za