Encounters 2026 to open with powerful premiere of Tutu

The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival returns this June, bringing with it a globe-spanning selection of non-fiction storytelling that promises provocative narratives to inspire and move audiences.

This year’s Festival has drawn just under 1,000 submissions from 128 countries and territories, reflecting the ever-expanding reach and relevance of documentary filmmaking. From intimate personal stories to sweeping political narratives, experimental forms and deeply rooted local histories, the 2026 programme is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in the Festival’s nearly three-decade history.

While the full lineup is still under wraps, one major highlight has already been confirmed: the African premiere of TUTU, a deeply personal portrait of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu. 

Fresh off winning the Peace Film Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival, the documentary, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard, offers an intimate look at Tutu’s life, from his anti-apartheid activism to his later global advocacy. Audiences can expect never-before-seen archival footage, moments of his hallmark sense of humour, and, of course, Tutu's enduring moral voice. 

Screenings of TUTU will take place in Cape Town at the Labia Theatre and at the V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor on 7 June, with additional showings in Johannesburg. Pollard is also set to be in attendance, hosting masterclasses and participating in festival events. 

As Africa’s longest-running documentary festival, it remains a hot ticket to what’s shaping global conversations - with the official selection for 2026 to be revealed soon.

• When: 4–14 June 2026
• Where: Various venues across Cape Town, including the Labia Theatre and V&A Waterfront Ster-Kinekor, as well as Johannesburg and Pretoria
• More info: encounters.co.za