Docs showing at this year’s Festival

1001 Days offers a tender and eye-opening account of the Ubulele Visiting Home programme in Alexandra, South Africa. Following eight devoted women, the film is a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of communal support.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman, The 16th Man captures the remarkable events of 1995 when South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. It showcases Nelson Mandela’s political acumen in using the tournament to unite a nation on the brink of civil war.

20 Days In Mariupol follows the first 20 days of the war in Ukraine, documenting the siege of Mariupol that lasted for 86 days before the city fell to the invading Russian forces. Urgent and visceral in its construction, the film is a difficult but riveting watch.

Afrikaaps is a groundbreaking film and stage play reclaiming Afrikaans as a language of liberation. It shatters whitewashing efforts, highlighting alternative histories through Cape Town’s hip hop artists who captivate with immediacy, irreverence and vibrancy.

!Aitsa transcends tradition, science and spirituality, immersing viewers on a journey that explores the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in the Karoo. The film delves into the Khoi and San populations’ traditional roots and highlights the sacred value of the land.

Set in polluted Delhi, All That Breathes follows two brothers running an infirmary for injured birds, applying their knowledge of the human body. This stunning, Oscar-nominated documentary showcases the power of human care to heal nature and offers hope in an imperiled world.

Apostles of Cinema is immensely heartwarming and showcases the unique cinema culture of Tanzania through the art of film pirating. The film captures how locals celebrate cinema in their own original way and highlights the importance of cinema as a nation-building activity.

Immerse yourself in Ben Nomoyi’s influential world of South African television as filmmaker Derrick Makaula pays homage to this pioneering icon. Tracing Nomoyi’s journey, Makaula artfully weaves interviews and evocative replays, celebrating his groundbreaking legacy.

In Beyond the Light Barrier, Elizabeth Klarer’s extraordinary life is explored in depth, narrated by John Kani. The South African meteorologist’s devotion to proving the existence of Akon, her extraterrestrial lover, as well as her enigmatic life on the alien planet Meton.

This dynamic and urgent film follows Bobi Wine’s journey from Kampala’s ghettos to a seat in the Ugandan parliament as the key opposition figure. However, he faces the wrath of the fascist state. The narrative echoes Navalny’s brave story of a charismatic opposition leader.

Booking She Comes delves into the life of Charnie Segametsi Kolwane Mrwebi, a fearless Sesotho author and activist. It showcases her use of Sesotho literature to inspire, educate and preserve cultural heritage, while highlighting the challenges artists face in South Africa.

Ricardo shares his story as a differently-abled person, from a bodybuilder to a powerlifter. Despite having his leg amputated, he remains optimistic and strives to achieve more. He empowers others, cares for his community and aims to revive his town’s Multipurpose Centre.

Calvinia is a poetic documentary about the small South African town and its impact under Apartheid’s value system. Filmmaker Rudi van Merwe poignantly and delicately confronts the town’s conservatism, injustices, prejudices and inequalities through personal and family history.

Coach introduces us to Merlin Mosoko, who teaches basketball to his son and children in Delft, South Africa. Despite the country’s lack of support for the sport, Merlin’s passion has grown into a community effort to provide children with opportunities to play and build skills.

Crushed explores the complexities of having a crush and the obsessive nature of infatuation through a layered representation of intense contemplation. The film captures the cyclical spiral of thoughts and emotions and emphasises the vulnerability that can arise from these feelings.

Dancers from Semperoper Ballet Company in Dresden and École des Sables in Senegal rehearse Pina Bausch’s works, celebrating her legacy and revolutionary contribution to modern dance. The films beautifully presents a fusion of spirits

A young Indian filmmaker living in Europe returns to India to document the 2019 election in this charming film. As he travels, his footage uncovers flaws in India’s majoritarian democracy and economic disparities.

Dorpie follows community worker Lana O’Neill as she establishes a safe house in Bredasdorp, a town plagued by poverty, addiction and sexual violence against women. The film offers a moving tribute to Lana’s compassion, while highlighting important structural inequalities.

Two worlds coexist in Eat Bitter, a visually engaging documentary centred around a sand diver, with a modest ambition of providing for his family, and a Chinese construction manager working in Central African Republic. The film passionately showcases their unwavering resilience.

Faces of Fortune documents Terry Fortune’s life as drag queen in Cape Town’s theatre world. From humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer for artists this is an inspiring story of triumph, struggle, and unbreakable spirit that highlights the transformative power of performance.

In Fashion Reimagined, designer Amy Powney of Mother of Pearl strives to make her label completely sustainable. The film joyfully follows her task of sourcing traceable materials that don’t harm the planet or exploit people and animals. However, the industry still has much to do.

In Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen, director Norman Jewison’s quest to adapt the Broadway classic is lovingly chronicled. Narrated by Jeff Goldblum, this engaging documentary also offers a snapshot of working life in 1970s Hollywood.

Forever Home is a poignant short film that deals with themes of poverty and climate change, giving voice to those who would otherwise be unheard. The story highlights the struggle for stability and belonging and the challenges of benefiting from Africa’s rich resources.

Free Money follows a basic income experiment in rural Kenya facilitated by Give Direct. The documentary examines the impact of providing a modest grant to villagers and presents a complex human story that reflects on the role of wealth in our lives.

The Gooseberry Grandmother’s Daughter exposes power imbalances and divisions caused by a coal mine owners’ forceful entry into the peaceful rural community of Ophendweni. Through resilience and unity, the community fights back against exploitation, seeking justice for their fallen leader.

Hidden Letters delves into the tale of Nushu, a secret language empowering Chinese women for centuries. Through two modern women’s journeys, the film exposes female subservience and the commercialization of Nushu, and celebrates sisterhood’s enduring power and women’s equality.

I Am This Water delves into the contentious case of Liesbeek Leisure Property Trust (LLPT) versus the Khoisan people, centering on the construction dispute surrounding Amazon’s headquarters near Table Mountain’s base on Ingamorodi,! Khaes.

Three Egyptian women share their stories of life in rural Egypt. Rokia tells of lost love, as she and Rose recount stories of giving birth without medical assistance. They vividly reveal differences between then and now, painting a picture of life in the past.

The Last Seed offers a compelling perspective on corporatised agriculture methods through the eyes of African farmers and environmental organisations. Advocating for agroecology, the film presents a culturally-aligned and sustainable farming alternative.

Let’s Go To The Mines honours the men brutally killed in the Marikana Massacre in 2012. It powerfully highlights their lives and the danger and sacrifice of mining, leaving families and communities displaced when breadwinners do not make it out.

A Lion’s Trail reveals the story of Solomon Linda, the Zulu herdboy behind The Lion Sleeps Tonight, whose rights were stolen. This captivating documentary explores the journey from Africa to America, highlighting the injustices of copyright and the unifying force of music.

The Long Journey of Clement Zulu is a powerful documentary following the release of three men from Robben Island, revealing their transformative experiences in a changing South Africa. It pays tribute to overlooked heroes and challenges media stereotypes of political prisoners.

Merkel offers a comprehensive look at Angela Merkel’s career and personal life, from her formative years in East Germany to her role as Germany’s first female Chancellor. The film observes how Merkel established herself as a point of stability throughout her four terms in office.

Milisuthando Bongela’s coming-of-age documentary explores growing up in South Africa during and after Apartheid. Bongela blurs the lines between personal and historic, object and subject, and citizen and country. The film is an original and poetic meditation.

Miners Shot Down exposes the 2012 Marikana massacre where 34 striking miners were killed by South African Police. Rehad Desai masterfully chronicles the events leading to the tragedy, revealing complicity between Lonmin, the ANC government and the police.

Money, Freedom is an ambitious and detailed documentary exploring the controversial use of the CFA franc currency in West and Central Africa. The film highlights the ongoing impact of colonialism and urges action for economic independence and sovereignty in Africa.

Older Than Trees takes us on a captivating journey with James Leah as he strives to save declining shark populations threatened by overfishing for shark meat. Leah highlights the dangers of overfishing and the crucial role of legislation in conserving marine ecosystems.

The Other Profileis a comedic documentary exploring identity and social media. Armel Hostiou investigates a fake Facebook account using his name to lure women in Kinshasa. Through personal storytelling and social commentary, the impact of social media on our lives is revealed.

Our Land is a thought-provoking short that illuminates overlooked land reform issues within South Africa’s mine disputes. Director Peter Goldsmid immerses viewers in rural residents’ struggles as mines exploit their rightful land, exposing powerlessness and advocating for change.

Out of Uganda powerfully documents the struggles of four LGBT youth in Uganda facing continual harassment and threats. With no safe harbour, the only way for them to guarantee their safety is to seek asylum in Switzerland.

A Performance on Femininity takes us on an engrossing journey into Kikunu Ono’s identity as a female geisha in Nara, Japan. Ono shares her profound experiences, challenging societal norms and transcending gender labels.

Push Comes to Shove exposes South Africa’s obstetric violence crisis. Through survivor stories, the documentary uncovers gender-based violence during childbirth, urging immediate reform. This compelling film inspires change for women’s well-being in the healthcare system.

The Reclaimers showcases the lives of self-employed waste collectors in South Africa who collect recyclable goods and resell them. They were left stranded during Covid-19, unable to sell due to lockdown laws. The film highlights their relationship with businesses and consumers.

Reflections in a Broken Mirror delves into how theatre has reshaped Afrikaner culture in post-Apartheid South Africa through key productions that challenged dominant Afrikaner identity. This rich and nostalgic film is essential for anyone interested in South African theatre.

Seven Winters in Tehran is a hard-hitting documentary that chronicles the story of Reyhaneh Jabbari, a student in Tehran who was hanged for murder after acting in self-defence against a rapist. The film uses secretly footage to pay tribute to her enduring symbol of resistance.

Set in Cameroon’s Far North, this anti-war film captures children’s lives under constant threat of Boko Haram’s violence. Despite their losses and difficult circumstances, the film celebrates children’s innocence while acknowledging the devastating impact of war on their psyche.

On 9 Aug 1956, 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in South Africa in protest against the dompas, challenging post-liberation relegation. Standing on Their Shoulders powerfully highlights ongoing resistance against oppression and pays tribute to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

A Story of Bones unveils an environmental officer’s startling find of an African slave burial ground during a St. Helena airport project. This thought-provoking film explores the delicate balance between economic development and restitution.

Subject explores the personal impact of being a ‘character’ in a widely seen documentary. Directors interview stars of Hoop Dreams, The Staircase, The Wolfpack, The Square and Capturing the Friedmans to delve into the ethics of documentary making. A highly thought-provoking film.

Theatre of Violence follows Dominic Ongwen, a former child soldier who became the first to be indicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes. The documentary offers a thought-provoking perspective on restorative justice and the effectiveness of the ICC.

This Is National Wake explores the rise and fall of a multiracial punk band during the decline of Apartheid. The film fervently examines the band’s outlaw lifestyle, their liberal philosophy, and the internal tragedy that brewed divisions between the members.

The Translator is a tale of resilience, following a young Somali girl and her family’s journey seeking refuge in Ethiopia. This hopeful story showcases her triumph over adversity, finding her calling as a language instructor and bridging the gap between diverse communities.

We, Students! portrays the harsh realities of university life in Central African Republic, where poverty and corruption run rampant. Despite these challenges, a group of inspiring students persevere, showing the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

What the Soil Remembers explores the rich history of a small Western Cape town called ‘The Vlakte’. The film creatively highlights the town’s cultural beauty and past, as well as the impact of Apartheid and the role of Stellenbosch University in the town’s displacement.