The virtual edition of the Durban Film Mart made it possible for people from across the continent to attend. Following closely on the heels of The Encounters South African International Documentary Film Festival, which also presented itself in a virtual format, there was some cross-pollination particularly in the documentary section. Having watched all of the African documentaries at the Encounters festival, a series of special in-depth interviews with documentarians carried an organic appeal. Led by Nigerian film pundit, Wilfred Okiche, these discussions went deeper to uncover the director's motivations, behind-the-scenes stories and valuable details about the documentary film-making process.

Sam Soko's documentary, Softie, journeys with journalist photographer turned political activist, Boniface Mwangi. Having won the best African documentary prize at the Encounters Documentary Film Festival, Soko's efforts were rewarded making his words of particular interest. Softie grapples with the awakening of a political activist who decides to run for office in Kenya. From creative political campaigns in a country regarded as one of the most corrupt on the planet to navigating his life between the rigours of politics and family, it's an eye-opening and intimate account of a man trying to choose between patriotism and family values.

A self-confessed advocate of freedom of expression, it's easy to see how Sam Soko resonated with his primary subject and the political undercurrent of Softie. Soko reveals that Softie was originally meant to be a 5 minute YouTube video. Filmed over the course of 5 years, the scope of the project grew into a behemoth, eventually gathering over 600 hours of footage. A masterful feat of editing, Soko's efforts have been reduced to a 96 minute feature film. Softie has a local flavour, centring in Kenya but operates on a universal level through a global storytelling lens. This makes the tale of family versus country accessible to all audiences and it's treated with an "Africa is a country" sentiment, reflecting common narratives belying many nations with similar colonial histories.

It's brought home by its pure documentary with virtually no fictional scenes. Soko was observing Boniface and his family, involved as a film-maker and forming a relationship with his subjects but so integrated Softie almost has a fly-on-the-wall feel. He didn't shoot with a script, instead capturing real moments and events that contribute to the authenticity of his picture. Another message he wanted to portray is the idea of non-violent activism. There's been a blurring of lines when it comes to what protest and activism entail, typically on the back of the thinking that you only get results following violent action. Softie is gearing up for a release in Kenya, but due to the uncertainty of the current markets and exhibition standards - it could be delayed.

When asked for advice by budding filmmakers, Soko said "don't pitch a film you can't deliver" and "be honest, ask questions". There's a temptation to wow prospective film partners with ambitious and sweeping visions of what your film will be about or like, but it's important to be circumspect. Rather underpromise and over-deliver. Then, identifying another problem area he revealed that it's important to present a grounded view of what you can offer and not be afraid to ask questions to avoid potential pitfalls.