ENCOUNTERS 2025: SHORTS BLOCK - MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

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

SHORTS BLOCK - MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

Sprouting (A)

Lilitha Baartman | South Africa | 15 min | 2024 

Sprouting explores the complex relationship between South African women and their hair. Focusing on the cultural, emotional, and economic pressures they face in conforming to Eurocentric standards of beauty, the film talks to five women about their hair and the many different ways that it can affect both how they feel about themselves and how they are viewed by the world. As the film progresses, the women’s conversations with the camera help them to come to terms with who they are and put them on the path to self-acceptance.

Am I the Skinniest Person You've Ever Seen? (13 PG)

Dir. Eisha Marjar | Canada | 24 min | 2024 

In an intimate portrayal of the complexities of womanhood, sisterhood and youth, Am I the Skinniest Person You’ve Ever Seen? explores the story of two sisters, Eisha and Seema, whose summer dieting pact spirals into a life-threatening battle with anorexia for Eisha. Through an auto-ethnographic lens, the film journals the events that shaped their obsession with body image in their small Quebec town, from the experience of being outsiders in Western society to the overwhelming beauty standards projected onto young girls. Using lyrical storytelling and visuals that mirror the nostalgia of growing up, the film examines Eisha’s evolving relationship with her body and the complex path to healing. Am I the Skinniest Person You’ve Ever Seen? is a love letter to the version of ourselves deserving of kindness, reflecting on self-love, vulnerability and healing of our childhood wounds.

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!