Entries call for Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival

Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, a leading UK showcase of short film and animation, is now accepting entries. The festival is coming of age in 2012 with its 18th edition.

Expectations are high, following a record number of 1789 film submissions received and a 37% increase in audience figures in 2011. Fresh developments for this year’s event include earlier dates (18th – 23rd September) and the move of long-time Programmer Mark Cosgrove into the position of Artistic Director, as well as the welcoming of new Short Film Programmer (Brief Encounters) Gaia Meucci.

The festival has emerged as an important UK gateway for upcoming talent, giving selected filmmakers the chance to qualify for a whole host of major awards nominations – the Academy Awards, the BAFTAs, the European Film Awards and the Cartoon d’Or.

Notable recent success was enjoyed by Grant Orchard’s A Morning Stroll, which after its Animated Best of British prize at Encounters in 2011 went on to win a BAFTA for Best Short Animation.

“The festival is looking forward yet again to discovering the most promising short film and animation talent from all over the world,” said Managing Director, Liz Harkman. “We have come a long way and are proud of the festival’s success. We have exciting plans for our 18th edition, and will continue to find new ways of showcasing, celebrating and inspiring short filmmakers through reaching new audiences, and facilitated networking amongst industry professionals and emerging filmmakers.”

The call for entries is now open and will close on 6th June (9th July for Watershed’s DepicT! 90-second film competition, which is part of the festival). Films of any genre with a maximum duration of 30 minutes, completed after January 2011, are eligible.

Submissions are made through the Reelport website, which will host the Encounters Digital Viewing Library, making all films available for delegates during the festival and for the following 6 months.

Full submission guidelines are listed at www.encounters-festival.org.uk/submissions.

* A Morning Stroll is returning to Bristol for the Nominated Shorts Season hosted by the festival, which runs until 29th April. The organisers have announced a guest appearance from Grant Orchard at a free screening on Tuesday 3rd April at the Hen and Chicken pub.