ENCOUNTERS 2025: WOMXN: WORKING (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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WOMXN: WORKING (with Q&A)

Dir. Shanelle Jewnarain | South Africa | 67 min | 2025 

Despite having one of the world's most progressive constitutions, sex work remains illegal in South Africa, leaving sex workers without any legal protections. This lack of safeguards makes them particularly vulnerable in a society already plagued by epidemic levels of violence against women. Womxn Working explores the ongoing efforts of a group of women in the industry to legalise and destigmatise prostitution in South Africa. Director Shanelle Jewnerain spent several years documenting their journey as they campaign for their rights, petition national government for legalisation, and strive to raise public awareness through creative forms of protest. The film offers profound insights into the lives of these women, delving into their personal struggles as mothers and providers for their family, while refusing to define them solely by their occupation. In doing so, Womxn Working highlights the hypocrisy of a conservative national morality that marginalises sex work yet fails to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.

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!