Film / News
Encounters short film festival cancelled for 2024
Uncertainty surrounds a Bristol short film festival which was for many years one of the leading events of its kind in Europe.
The Encounters festival that was due to take place in 2024 has been cancelled with future festivals now very much in doubt due to a number of factors including the triple whammy of a loss of funding from Bristol City Council, the BFI and the EU.
Festival bosses have not been able to raise the money needed to host what would have been the 30th edition of the six-day event in September, with trustees saying they are “deeply sorry” for the cancellation.
is needed now More than ever
Encounters began life in 1994 as an initiative of Bristol Ideas, with award-winning films later eligible for Oscars nominations.
The festival’s main base was at Watershed, with awards given at the most recent festival to animated and children’s shorts as well as local and international prizes.
In a statement, the Encounters board of trustees said: “The cultural industries are collectively operating in an increasingly challenging climate and Encounters is now facing a situation beyond our control.
“Since 2023, European funding has ceased due to Brexit as has our funding from the BFI following the delivery of last year’s Festival, as we no longer qualify due to changes to their funding strategy.
“Bristol City Council has also recently reviewed its support to multiple arts and culture organisations in Bristol, and Encounters Film Festival is not currently receiving their funding.
“The funding landscape, combined with higher projected costs for running the festival in 2024, means there are inadequate funds available to run the festival this year or have enough time to meaningfully fundraise for its delivery.
“So, it is with a heavy heart that we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2024 iteration of Encounters Film Festival which would have been the 30th edition of Encounters Film Festival.
“We are deeply sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience this creates for everyone who is connected to and participating in the festival.
“We will be writing to and refunding everyone who has made submissions, please bear with us while we work to carry this out.
“We are in the process of working with our Board and stakeholders to reflect on what happens next for Encounters.
“We appreciate your patience while we work on this, and we will let you know what decisions are made in due course. We thank you for your support during this time.”
Audience members at a previous Encounters festival – photo: Jon Craig
Main photo: Matt Whiteley
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