Festival
Celebrating Short Film
Encounters International Film Festival is the umbrella festival for strands; Animated Encounters, dedicated to showcasing short animated films, Brief Encounters which continues to provide a platform for both live action and animated short films, Fresh Flix, a platform for young creative talent, and DepicT!, the Watershed's competition for 90 second short films.
Through the festival strands, Encounters showcases and celebrates emerging talent, promoting the importance of short film, and hopes to inspire all audiences, all over the world, all year round.
2011 Festival
The festival annually takes place in November, but hosts events in Bristol, the UK and around the world throughtout the year (See Yearly activities). Celebrating its 17th year, Encounters Bristol International Film Festival 2011 will be held between Wednesday 16 – Sunday 20 November, at venues in and around the Harbourside area of Bristol, UK. More updates to come soon.
Talent Development
Both industry and creatives alike visit the festival for a rare opportunity to meet new people, benefit from peer-to-peer exchanges, and develop new collaborations. Through the organisation of stimulating and unique events, the festival seeks to promote the short form as a means to develop new creative talent. From masterclasses with organisations such as the National Film and Television School and Kodak, to intimate talks with special guests such as actor Andy Serkis, animator Nick Park, and cinematographer Chris Ross.
Entertainment
During November, the festival offers a jam-packed week of exciting and eclectic activities that draws audiences from all ages and backgrounds. From theatres capable of high definition and 3D screenings, to Vintage Movie Buses, archive films, and audience participatory events.
Bristol, UK
Home to the festival, Bristol is one of the most culturally dynamic cities in the country. The festival remains on the Bristol scene throughout the year, collaborating with world famous venues such as Watershed, Arnolfini and the Cube, organsiations such as Picture This and large annual events such as the Harbourside Festival. See Yearly Activities for events happening near you.
Community & Outreach
Taking short film out and beyond the cinema, Encounters engages with local communities through school visits, outdoor solar powered cinema events in parks, filmmaking competitions, and touring programmes. See Yearly Activities for our up-coming events.
Fresh Flix – Celebrating Young People's Creative Talent
Festival strand, Fresh Flix is dedicated provide a new platform for young talent to showcase and celebrate their filmmaking achievements as well as inspire, enthuse and inform. From special previews, filmmaking and animation workshops, live music and competitive programmes, Encounters and Watershed organises activities to inspire, educate and entertain. See more on Fresh Flix.
