We are thrilled to announce the festival dates for the landmark 30th edition of Encounters Film Festival, taking place between 24th to 28th September 2025.

Expect a feast of bold cinematic visions from around the world, essential insights from industry luminaries and headline events to set the pulse racing in the beating heart of Bristol, UNESCO City of Film. Encounters is a qualifying festival for BAFTA and BIFA, a nominee for the European Film Awards, and a place where creative projects are born, partnerships are made and lives have been changed.

Bristol’s spirit of radical independence is the foundation for an accessible and welcoming festival. Forget exclusive parties and formal black-tie events, at Encounters everyone comes together for one shared passion: film.

Founded in 1995 to mark the centenary of cinema, the festival has grown to showcase thousands of bold, boundary-pushing works and supported emerging talent. Alumni include visionary filmmakers Denis Villeneuve, Andrea Arnold, Lynne Ramsay, Jennifer Reeder, Rungano Nyoni, Julia Ducournau, Charlotte Wells, Ruben Östlund, Joachim Trier, Molly Manning-Walker, Radu Jude, Kate Herron and many many more.

When filmmakers and film-lovers from Bristol and beyond come together, who will you encounter and what opportunities will follow?

Encounters is where the story begins.