Encounters, the Jan Vrijman Fund of IDFA and the SABC have developed and produced 5 short documentary films on the theme of LOVE through a workshop process to create opportunities for African filmmakers from Malawi, DRC, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The aim is to provide a platform to release and market the filmmakers and their shorts continentally and internationally. A big thank you to Leonard Retel Helmrich and Brian Tilley for supporting and mentoring the filmmakers!
Dear Morris
South Africa 2008 12min
Joanne Levitan
For 9 years Levitan had an intense relationship with a pen-pal named Morris. When, finally, she flew to America to meet him for the first time – he never appeared. She never heard from him again. Dear Morris is an intensely intimate and personal film through which Levitan tries solving the mystery of Morris and finally letting go of him.
Jhb Thu 26 / 8:45pm + Q&A Sat 28 / 2:30pm
CT Wed 9 / 8:30pm + Q&A Sun 13 / 6:15pm
Old-time, Long-time Love
Zambia / South Africa 2008 12min
Mali Kambandu
Kambandu is scared of marriage believing that it no longer has relevance, that it may even change the nature of her loving relationship. Her boyfriend disagrees. In this film she explores why she should consider it by consulting with old couples whose marriages have lasted, and failed, and why there are still so many weddings – every weekend!!
Jhb Thu 26 / 8:45pm + Q&A Sat 28 / 2:30pm
CT Wed 9 / 8:30pm + Q&A Sun 13 / 6:15pm
Mbira’ My Music My Love
Zimbabwe / South Africa 2008 12min
Dorothy Meck-Chimbuya
Traditional values clash with modernity, and it seems as though the younger generation has lost touch with its cultural identity. This space is being reclaimed by American-born Zimbabwean musician Chiwoniso ‘Chii’ Maraire, who has embraced Zimbabwean music traditions and is determined to make them appealing to the youth.
Jhb Thu 26 / 8:45pm + Q&A Sat 28 / 2:30pm
CT Wed 9 / 8:30pm + Q&A Sun 13 / 6:15pm
Silent Response
South Africa 2008 12min
Makela Pululu
Pululu is a refugee from the DRC who lost contact with his son when in 2005 Mark walked out the door of their Sea Point flat, choosing to live on the streets. Since then Mark has written to his father asking for forgiveness and this film is Pululu’s response.
Jhb Thu 26 / 8:45pm + Q&A Sat 28 / 2:30pm
CT Wed 9 / 8:30pm + Q&A Sun 13 / 6:15pm
Where My Heart Belongs
Malawi / South Africa 2008 12min
Villant Virginia Ndasowa
Jen, a Briton, came to Malawi on holiday and finding love in the small fishing village of Chembe, on the shores of lake Malawi, was not something that she expected. Mateyu (Mathew) is a fisherman, and now Chembe is her second home. Despite all the problems they face she is determined to fit into a society that is not ready to accept her as one of their own. Only love will see her through.
Jhb Thu 26 / 8:45pm + Q&A Sat 28 / 2:30pm
CT Wed 9 / 8:30pm + Q&A Sun 13 / 6:15pm