Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival

About Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival

Encounters is a globally renowned short film festival that takes place each September on the beautiful harbourside in Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film. Encounters is a qualifying festival for BAFTA, BIFA and the European Film Awards. Bristol’s spirit of radical independence is the

Awards this festival can qualify you for

• BAFTA Short · British Short Film

  Accepted into the official programme is sufficient. No win required. British productions only.

• BAFTA Short Animation · British Short Animation

  Acceptance into the official programme is sufficient; no win required. British Short Animation needs acceptance at a MINIMUM OF ONE BAFTA-qualifying festival (fewer than the two required for British Short Film). British productions only; animation must be the primary technique.

• BIFA Short · Best British Short Film

  In-person official selection is sufficient. No win required. British production. Under 40 minutes.

• EFA Short · Best European Short Film

  Film must win the EFA-candidate prize at this festival to be nominated for the EFA Short Film Award. Must be a European production (majority EU/EEA financing).

• Oscar Animated Short · Animated Short Film

  Must win the Animated Encounters Grand Prix.

• Oscar Documentary Short · Documentary Short Subject

  Must win the Documentary Encounters Grand Prix.

• Oscar Live Action Short · Live Action Short Film

  Must win the Brief Encounters Grand Prix (Live Action). Oscar qualifying since 2010.

Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival submission FAQ