2027 submissions are now open

Our 2027 call for entries is now open! Submit now on FilmFreeway.

Encounters hosts the UK's longest-running international short film competition and one of the most prestigious. Every autumn, filmmakers from around the world land on Bristol's harbourside, a UNESCO City of Film, for five days of screenings, talks, parties and a whole lot of fun.

The 2027 festival runs Wednesday 29 September to Sunday 3 October.

Encounters is a qualifying festival for BAFTA, BIFA and the Canadian Screen Awards, and is the UK's nominating festival for the European Film Awards. Every film in Official Selection can become eligible for BAFTA consideration (check the BAFTA rules for full details).

Bristol's spirit of radical independence shapes everything we do. No black tie, no velvet rope. Filmmakers, audiences, students and industry share the same rooms, the same bar and the same conversations.

In 2026 our competition programme screened 142 films from 39 countries, including 71 world, international and UK premieres, selected from around 5,000 submissions. The wider festival screens more than 170 films. Winners share £8,000 in cash prizes.

Founded in 1995 to mark the centenary of cinema, Encounters has championed emerging talent for three decades. Alumni include Denis Villeneuve, Lynne Ramsay, Rungano Nyoni, Julia Ducournau, Charlotte Wells, Ruben Östlund, Joachim Trier, Molly Manning-Walker, Saoirse Ronan and Radu Jude. Past guests include Charlie Kaufman, Michel Gondry, Oliver Laxe, Hayao Miyazaki, Andrea Arnold and Matt Groening.

Our talks and events programme brings filmmakers together with partners including BBC, Channel 4, BFI, Aardman, Netflix, MUBI, NFTS, Warp, Adult Swim, Crack Magazine and Invada, with masterclasses, panels and sessions on where filmmaking goes next.