ENCOUNTERS 2023: !Aitsa

Every year since our founding in 2010, The Bioscope has proudly hosted screenings of The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. Celebrating its 25 year as a festival, Encounters returns to The Bioscope once again with screenings from 23 June - 2 July. Tickets are R80. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.

SEE THE FULL BIOSCOPE SCHEDULE FOR ENCOUNTERS HERE

!Aitsa

Directed by Dane Dodds | South Africa/Denmark | 2022 | 88 min.

Dane Dodds' documentary, !Aitsa, is an immersive journey that transcends the boundaries of tradition, science and spirituality. The film explores the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in the Karoo, which seeks to unravel the mysteries of the universe through radiology. However, it is not merely a scientific exploration, as Dodds takes the viewer on a historical expedition, delving into the traditional roots of the Khoi and San populations of the region. Through the film's lens, we witness the enigmatic convergence of scientific and traditional knowledge, as we are reminded of the sacred value that the land holds for the early inhabitants. The film's loving portrayal of the Karoo landscape serves as a poignant reminder that the history and traditions of a place are intertwined with its scientific discoveries. Dodds' curious direction invites us to reflect on the fine line that exists between the exploration of modern science and ancestral practices, whilst also bringing into question the juxtaposition of cultures in a most captivating and compassionate documentary.