Happening in-person for the first time since 2019, Bristol’s largest international film festival returns to Watershed with a packed programme of short film, animation and virtual reality. Pass-holders will gain access to exclusive industry talks and workshops, as well as an exciting line-up of evening events.

Celebrating their 28th festival edition, Encounters provided an international platform for new and emerging talent in filmmaking for over 25 years. This year’s line-up features titles drawn from 41 countries around the world, delivering extraordinary and original storytelling across a multitude of genres.

The International Competition is a gateway to the world’s most prestigious awards– filmmakers who screen their shorts at Encounters can go on to win the Academy Awards® the BAFTAs and the European Film Awards. See them here first.

Festival passes

Individual tickets to be announced shortly. Passes currently on sale:

Festival Pass - £60

Get the full festival experience.
Lose yourself in unlimited access to all in-person events including screenings, industry events and evening events at Lost Horizon.

Discovery Pass - £25

Short on time or not sure what to see?
Our Discovery Pass is the perfect place to start! With all the same benefits as the ‘Festival Pass’ but limited to 5 uses, delve deep into the programme and extra festival events for less.

View programme at encounters.film

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