The future of the 2009 Encounters Film Festival hangs in the balance. The SABC, it's prinicipal sponsor, has withdrawn their financial support for it - they've introduced cost-cutting measures to deal with their
debt debacle and this is the unfortunate impact.
Encounters is now faced with the daunting emergency task of raising sufficient funds in the coming
week if it's to take place as planned.
The dates of the festival are 2 - 19 July in Cape Town - with no Johannesburg venue. The festival always runs in both Jozi and Cape Town but has had to withdraw from Jozi because the Gauteng Film Commission has also withdrawn its financial backing.
"We are appealing to individuals, government and the corporate sector to come forward to help save the festival. We now have one week to solve our funding crisis", says Festival Director Mandisa Zitha.
The festival, now in its 11th year, showcases South African and international talent and promotes the growth of the documentary industry. Over the years Encounters has screened hundreds of documentaries to an audience of over 80,000 people. It has commissioned over 40 documentaries and runs access programmes, outreach programmes, schools programmes, workshops, masterclasses and seminars.
"We hope that we can still receive sufficient support to ensure a successful festival this year. We believe, if we can get through this current crisis we will be able to produce an even stronger 2010 edition" Zitha says.
For more about the Festival, see their website:
Encounters.