Announcing our new Festival Director  

We are happy to announce the appointment of Bizzy Day as the new Festival Director of Encounters. Bizzy will take up the position in May and begin working alongside Rich Warren, current Director, and the rest of the team to deliver the 2023 festival edition. 

Prior to joining Encounters, Bizzy previously worked in production and business affairs at Ffilm Cymru working across a wide range of rights and legals and supporting the progression, closing and aftercare of feature films for theatrical release. She also co-founded and ran The Other Room, Cardiff’s pub theatre where she was responsible for the strategic direction and fiscal health of the company in addition to producing the theatre productions. Other experience includes producing National Youth Theatre Wales for National Youth Arts Wales, and freelance consultancy work across arts fundraising, business planning and strategy. Bizzy has a keen interest in sustainable business models, talent development and innovation in the creative industries, and is an alum of the Clore Emerging Leaders programme and former Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.  

"I’m delighted to be joining the fantastic team at Encounters ahead of its landmark 30th birthday next year. The UK’s leading short film festival, Encounters is a true celebration of talent, creativity, diversity and short form moving image. I can’t wait to get started and build on the incredible work of Rich and team." 

- Bizzy Day