ENCOUNTERS 2025: CAPTURING WATER

Every year since our founding in 2010, The Bioscope has proudly hosted screenings of The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. Now celebrating its 27th year as a festival, Encounters returns to The Bioscope once again with screenings at The Bioscope from 20 - 29 June. Tickets are R90. 

SEE THE FULL BIOSCOPE PROGRAM HERE

CAPTURING WATER

Dir. Rehad Desai | South Africa | 80 min | 2024 

In 2018, Cape Town faced one of its worst droughts, prompting conversations of an impending crisis, ‘Day Zero,’ when water reservoirs in the city were projected to drop to a dangerously low level of 13.5%. Despite conservation efforts led by local activists and scientists, as well as policies implemented to limit water wastage, the city remains vulnerable to water shortages as deeper systemic issues continue to threaten the city's water security. From land developments jeopardising aquifer reserves to pollution in river systems, deteriorating sewage infrastructure, inadequate sanitation management, and the commodification and privatisation of water, the film uncovers the deeper crisis beneath the surface. Capturing Water uncovers the social, political, and environmental challenges at the crux of this ongoing crisis, gathering insights from activists, academics, community leaders, politicians, scientists, and government officials, to mobilise legislation and protection against the exploitation, bureaucracy and neo-colonialism which threatens a fundamental human right: access to water.

In 2025, The Bioscope celebrates 15 Years Of Cinema. We couldn’t have achieved this without our dedicated staff who look after you every time you visit. We’re lucky enough to have had all of them with us for as long as we can remember, and believe that this loyalty deserves constant support!

For the months of May, June and July, we are running a special BIOSCOPE BIRTHDAY STAFF FUNDRAISER, where in the checkout of your ticket purchase, you can give a donation that will go straight to them - Owen, Silin, Bongi, Portia, Polite, and Swenkie!