“Encounters values the Audience Awards as they are a gauge of audience tastes and preferences. We are grateful to our festival-goers that attended the screenings, gave critical input to the filmmakers through our Q&A and panel discussions and voted for our Audience Award. It has become evident that South Africa has the capacity to grow an intelligent and engaged documentary film audience. We will continue with the Awards which give us insight when selecting for next year,” said festival director Mandisa Zitha.

Almost 6000 festival goers voted in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The Audience Award referee was Professor Tim Dunne, Head of Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town.

The Top 3 South African Films are:

1. Shamiela's House, directed by Robyn Rorke
   
2. Zulu Surf Riders, directed by Andrè Cronje and Carlos Francisco
   
3. The Shaman's Apprentice, directed by Catherine Winter

The Top 3 International Films are:

1. Angels in the Dust, directed by Louise Hogarth
   
2. Iron Ladies of Liberia, directed by Siatta Scott Johnson and Daniel Junge
   
3. Stranded - I've come from a plane that crashed on the mountains, directed by Gonzalo Arijon

The 10th edition of Encounters ended last weekend with full houses in Cape Town. The festival enjoyed great attendances at the Industry events in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

This festival and its projects was supported by SABC, NFVF, Cape Film Commission, Western Cape Government, Jan Vrijman/IDFA, Africalia, Gauteng Film Commission, Goethe Institut, French Embassy, Tempest Car Hire, US Consulate, British Council Holland Film, The Times, Nu Metro and Exclusive Books.

[24 Jul 2008 19:04]

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