ENCOUNTERS 2022: Manche, The African Martyr (with short film 'Section 16')

Every year since our founding in 2010, The Bioscope has proudly hosted screenings of The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival.

Always a highlight in our calendar, the festival returns to The Bioscope once again with screenings from 24 June - 3 July. Tickets are R70.

SEE THE FULL BIOSCOPE SCHEDULE FOR ENCOUNTERS HERE

Manche, The African Martyr (screening with Section 16)

WORLD PREMIERE

Dir. Jacky Lourens, Letebele Masemola

South Africa | 2022 | 46 min

A South African born in the early 1900s when culture was religion, Manche Masemola died for her Christian beliefs at the age of 15. Having become widely popular after her death and being depicted in a statue above Westminster Abbey, London’s Great West Door, this intriguing documentary examines the events surrounding her death through interviews with the people who were familiar with the story and those from her village. Manche’s martyrdom sparks an important discussion about the arrival of German missionaries in South Africa and their impact on indigenous beliefs during the initial days of contact. As a descendant of Manche, Letebele Masemola, who drives the narrative, reflects on this bold story as a journey to her ancestral homeland to rediscover her identity in relation to her cultural beliefs.

COVID POLICY AND PROCEDURE.

The new Bioscope location is set to be a 47 seater cinema. We are however selling far less in order for there to be space to sit apart from other members of the public. We ask you to please keep your mask on the entire time within the cinema premises. Drinks and snacks will be on sale and can be consumed during the film, but please consider those around you when your mask is off for this. 44 Stanley is largely an open air shopping centre, and The Bioscope has a great outside space directly outside the cinema that public can make use of. Within the cinema, we will also make use of temperature reading, air filtering, and constant cleaning to make sure that The Bioscope remains a safe and hygienic experience.

After purchasing tickets, if you experience any COVID related symptoms, or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive, we ask you to please not attend the screening. Please understand that The Bioscope will not be able to refund you this ticket. We are happy however for you to give your ticket to someone else that can attend. If this is not possible, we would be happy to exchange your ticket for a future screening. This can all be coordinated via email at [email protected]