The Dear Asian filmmakers, Encounters – South African International Documentary Festival is accepting documentaries until March 20, 2026.

About the festival:
South Africa’s only film festival devoted exclusively to documentaries. Besides the main screenings and the competition, the festival program also embraces a number of workshops, debates and large professional section with The Documentary Co-Production Forum (DCF). DCF is a joint initiative between Encounters Documentary Festival and Sithengi Film and Television Market to provide Southern African documentary filmmakers the opportunity find local and international broadcast and co-production partners.

Eligibility:
– The festival accepts both short (under 50 minutes) and feature documentaries (over 50 minutes).
– Films must have been produced after January 1, 2024.
– Films must not have been shown on South African television, internet streaming services or released in South African cinema before the Encounters 2026 dates.
– Films must contain English subtitles.
– Submissions must be made via Film Freeway.
– Submission Fees and Deadlines:

– Notification Date: April 20, 2026

We recommend filmmakers to read the full Rules and Regulations here: https://filmfreeway.com/EncountersSouthAfricanInternationalDocumentaryFestival (This is also the submission link)

We remind readers that the 28th Encounters – South African International Documentary Festival will take place from June 4 – 14, 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Looking for a festival distributor? Learn more about our services here

To see other Calls please follow the next link: “Call For Entries”.