The inaugural Encounters Iliso Lethu African Documentary Symposium, will take place over two days from 20 — 21 June 2024 at the CHR, in partnership with the Centre for Film and Media Studies, the University of Cape Town and the CHR, University of the Western Cape.

Iliso Lethu seeks to be the intellectual centrepiece of the African documentary calendar, ushering in a new era of alliance and exposure on the continent. The symposium is a space for industry practitioners, established and emerging filmmakers, academics, historians, government representatives and civil society, to engage in critical conversations about the state of African documentary and the community’s challenges and opportunities.

This inaugural event is the perfect opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for African documentaries and have a vision to help shape the future of documentary and network-building in Africa.

Programme highlights:

• Keynote
• Solidarity / Politics in Film Scholarship
• Cinematic Cities: Activism & Urban Apartheid Amidst 30 Years of South African Democracy
• Expanding Horizons: Leveraging Archives & Digital Innovation for Inclusive Storytelling In South African Documentary Filmmaking
• Inspire Action! Documentary x The Climate Crisis
• Stories That Matter: Tactile, Ethical, Responsible Filmmaking