Documentary Projects Shortlist

This project explores the vibrant and resourceful daily lives of residents within the Cissie Gool House, a former Woodstock Hospital that has been transformed into a sanctuary for more than 2,000 people under the guidance of the Reclaim the City (RTC) organisation. In March 2017, housing activists from RTC occupied the abandoned hospital, as well as Helen Bowden Nurses Home, with the aim of transforming the derelict sites into thriving living spaces. Their occupation was a form of protest against gentrification and the lack of affordable housing in Cape Town, and Cissie Gool House became the heart of this resistance, evolving into a dynamic community with shops, a library, a cinema and communal areas that offer refuge to those facing displacement or homelessness. This project highlights the resilience, solidarity and ingenuity of this unique community, while addressing Cape Town’s severe housing crisis and the urgent need for affordable housing.

I am a South African documentary photographer and filmmaker dedicated to challenging stereotypes and highlighting issues of land, memory, gender, and displacement. Through my lens, I capture human experiences with authenticity, fostering connections between subjects and viewers. My work is a personal journey to reshape narratives and amplify marginalized voices, aiming to spark empathy, dialogue, and social change by presenting fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions with compassion.