Encounters Film Festival – Internationaler Kurzfilmwettbewerb

Encounters Film Festival, based in Bristol, United Kingdom, hosts the UK's longest‑running international short film competition each autumn. The 2027 edition runs from 29 September to 3 October, and the call for entries is now open. Filmmakers may submit works completed on or after 1 January 2026, with a maximum running time of 40 minutes. All genres and production techniques are accepted – fiction, animation, documentary, experimental, artists' film, hybrid work and music video – and there is no premiere requirement. Submissions are made via FilmFreeway and are open to creators of any nationality or residence. The competition offers a total cash prize pool of £8,000, including £2,000 Grand Prix awards for Live Action, Animation and Documentary, as well as £500 awards for Best British categories, an Audience Award, and the DEPICT! prize for ultra‑short films. Selected filmmakers receive two filmmaker passes to all screenings and events, a 50 % discount on additional passes, and two nights of accommodation in a Bristol hotel for international participants. While the festival does not cover screening fees, it provides DCP and ProRes delivery requirements, marketing stills and trailer support, and subtitles for non‑English films. The festival is BAFTA, BIFA, Canadian Screen Awards and European Film Awards qualifying, offering further exposure for successful entries.

cash prizes, filmmaker passes, 50% discount on extra passes, two nights accommodation for international filmmakers, DCP/ProRes delivery, marketing stills and trailer support, subtitles for non‑English films

Films completed on/after 1 Jan 2026; max length 40 min; any genre/technique; no premiere requirement; open to all nationalities