Encounters

About

The leading competitive short film festival in the UK; strong film industry focus, good prizes for international shorts. It combines extensive film exhibition, including a range of premieres and new talent from all over the globe, with education and training from respected industry professionals and an array of special events and parties. The Encounters Short Film Festival is also the place to discover talented new filmmakers and meet key people from the film industry. 

Program

• International Shorts Programs,
• Student Shorts,
• Best of British Shorts,
• South West Shorts,
• Outrageous Shorts,
• Classic Outrage,
• Best of the Fest,
• Shorts for Young People (12 years upwards),
• Special Events and Industry Events (opportunities for filmmakers and industry professionals to get together).

Awards

• Brief Encounters Grand Prix — €2500 prize
• Animated Encounters Grand Prix — €2500 prize
• European Live Action Award — €1000 prize
• European Animation Award — €1000 prize
• Chris Collins Best of British Award — Live Action - £1000 prize 
• Best of British Award - Animation — £1000 prize
• Immersive Encounters Grand Prix — €1000 prize

Rules

• Submissions are open to short films from every genre including animation, documentary, drama, experimental or artist film.
• Films must have been completed after 1st January 2025.
• Films must be no longer than 30 minutes including credits.
• Encounters does not require any premiere status.
• Our main submission platform is Filmfreeway.

Screening Media Type: 35mm print, DCP
Subtitles language: English

Premiere Requirements

No premiere requirement

Jury and Organizers

• Executive Director: Dave Taylor-Matthews