Mandisa Zitha, Director of Encounters festival

The DOK.fest München – Encounters partnership, now in its 8th year, features a programme showcasing German films and a guest for encounters, generously supported by DOK.fest. It was an honour to join leading African documentary practitioners at African Encounters: “10 Years DOK.network Africa – Honouring the Past to Look into the Future” in Munich, 2023. A highlight was hosting the Q&A for DORPIE, directed by Julia Jaki, a German filmmaker in Cape Town, with impactful screenings at Encounters and in townships held. We have collaborated on German films, hosting directors for masterclasses, workshops, and Q&As. Last year, we held sold-out screenings and a masterclass on JOHATSU by Andreas Hartman and Arata Mori. Our recent partnership on the Adiaha Award boosted African women directors, with 2023 winner Cyrielle Raingou invited to pitch at DOK.forum Marketplace. As DOK.fest turns 40, we celebrate its commitment to cross-cultural collaborations and celebrating African documentary.