As the renowned Encounters film festival opens across parts of the country, Darryl Accone and Katlego Mkhwanazi list their must-sees.
The Iron Ministry
Director: JP Sniadecki
Once, China had not one but two Silk Roads. Now it has the world’s biggest railway network, iron tracks that reach even into Tibet. The hard-bench third-class “seats” of old have yielded to comfier ones. See these and others in this cinema verité journey through China. – Darryl Accone
My Dancing Heart
Director: Andrea Martínez Crowther
Age ain’t nothing but a number for women in Mexico who revive their youthful spirit with a dance style called the Danzon. My Dancing Heart is an Al??Jazeera documentary that follows dancers who are 60 years and older and find joy in dance. – Katlego Mkhwanazi
The Shore Break
Director: Ryley Grunenwald
Why should Australian mining interests be allowed to despoil pristine Wild Coast dunes and the communities attached to the land? Why indeed? Eloquent, persuasive, forcible: advocacy documentary-making at its ethical best. – DA To view trailer: The Shore Break
Coming of Age
Director: Teboho Edkins
This is the story of teenagers Lefa, Retabile and Mosaku, from the village of HaSekake in Lesotho, who move into adulthood in two years, and face life-changing decisions. – KM To view trailer: Coming of Age
Prisoner 467/64: The Untold Legacy of Andrew Mlangeni
Director: Lebogang Rasethaba
Quiet, unassuming and blessed with unswerving principles and juggernaut moral force: that’s Andrew Mlangeni, 11th accused in the Rivonia Trial. – DA
Out on the Streets
Director: Jasmina Metwaly and Philip Rizk
A group of artists give voice to difficulties faced by working class citizens of Egypt through staged performances. – KM
via Mail & Guardian
