Encounters Film Festival
Bristol's festival of short film and animation is one of the UK's most important launchpads for new filmmakers, with Oscar, BAFTA and BIFA qualifying awards.
- Where
- Bristol, UK
- Founded
- 1995
- Usually runs
- September
- Qualifies for
- Oscars, BAFTA, BIFA
- Focus
- Short film and animation, with a strong emerging talent programme
- Official site
- encounters.film
Encounters has been held in Bristol since the mid-1990s and is one of the UK’s leading festivals for short film and animation. Its awards can qualify films for the Academy Awards, BAFTA and the British Independent Film Awards.
Why it matters for new filmmakers
Encounters has a long record of showing first and early films by directors who go on to bigger things. Alongside the competition, it runs industry sessions, talent development and networking aimed at people at the start of their careers.
What it programmes
There are international and UK competitions for live action and animation, plus thematic strands, family programmes and events across the city.
Submitting
Check the official site for current categories, deadlines and eligibility. Qualifying status applies to specific awards, not to selection alone. See our submission guide.
Dates, rules and award-qualifying status change every year. Check the official site before you submit.
Visit the official Encounters Film Festival website