ENCOUNTERS 2025: SAM NZIMA: A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LENS (with Q&A)

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. 

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SAM NZIMA: A JOURNEY THROUGH HIS LENS (with Q&A)

Dir. Nhlanhla Mthethwa | South Africa | 74 min | 2024 

Going behind the lens, Sam Nzima’s life unfolds against one of history’s most recognised photographs, the haunting image of Hector Pieterson during the 1976 Soweto Uprising. Through the events surrounding June 16, 1976, the film chronicles Nzima’s life, from his early days in rural Transvaal to his rise as a key figure in South African journalism, at the frontlines of media that forever changed the political landscape of South Africa. Nzima’s historic photograph, which laid bare the brutal truths of apartheid and shattered the government’s carefully crafted propaganda, led to his forced exile. Despite this, Nzima did not retain copyright of his images until decades later, revealing a new wave of exploitation and control of the black narrative Through exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and intimate personal stories, Sam Nzima: A Journey Through His Lens reveals the complex, unspoken power of one image, one man, and countless sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and justice for all.

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!