<strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Film</strong><strong>Issue</strong> 8 - 2013Encounters 2013 CALL FOR ENTRIESby Chris O Dell BSCEncounters Short <strong>Film</strong> and Animation Festival...Encounters Short <strong>Film</strong> and Animation Festival, theleading UK showcase of short film and animation, isnow accepting entries for its 19th edition. 2013 willsee the festival settling into its new September slot(from 17 – 22) at Bristol’s harbourside and across thecity. Expectations for this year’s event are high, with the organisershoping to build on a record audience of over11,000 attracted in 2012. Last year 1,889 film submissionswere received from 79 countries (notably, 85%of the films were European), confirming the festival’sstrong international profile and reputation. 188 shortfilms and animations were selected in competitionacross the main festival strands Brief Encounters (liveaction) and Animated Encounters (animation).The festival is an important UK gateway for upcoming talent,giving selected filmmakers the chance to qualify for a wholehost of major awards nominations - the Academy Awards®,the BAFTAs, the European <strong>Film</strong> Awards and the Cartoon d’Or.2012 Encounters alumni are already making a mark, withTimothy Reckart’s animated short Head Over Heels (an NFTSgraduation project) up for an Oscar® and Irish animator EamonnO’Neill BAFTA nominated for I’m Fine Thanks (RoyalCollege of Art).The Animated Encounters jury also selected Reckart’s animationas the festival’s nomination for the Cartoon d’Or. Encountersis celebrating awards season from 10 - 24 Februarywith its Nominated Shorts Season, a series of showcases ofthe live-action and animated short films nominated for the2012/2013 Oscars® and European <strong>Film</strong> Awards. The festivalis proud to bring the stars of tomorrow to Watershed inpartnership with Shorts International and the European <strong>Film</strong>Academy. Managing Director Liz Harkman said, “2012 was achallenging year for the festival, but we’ve been delightedby positive reactions to the new September dates from delegatesand audiences, and are brimming with new ideas forour 19th edition. Sadly several key short film festivals have“Encounterscall forentries2013”had to close their doors recently - Worldwide Shorts Festivalin Canada and the London based Rushes Soho Shorts. Bothwere long-term partners of Encounters, and their work in thelandscape of short film support will be greatly missed. We feelthat now more than ever it’s crucial to continue working hardon showcasing, celebrating and inspiring short filmmakers.”The call for entries is now open, and has two separatedeadlines.<strong>Film</strong>s completed in 2012 must be entered by 29March, whereas 2013 productions have until 3 June.<strong>Film</strong>s of any genre with a maximum duration of 30minutes, completed after January 2012, are eligible.For the second year running, submissions are madethrough the Reelport website, which will host the EncountersDigital Viewing Library, making all films available online fordelegates. Watershed’s 90-second film competition DepicT!,which is part of the festival, will close its call for entries on 8July. Full submission guidelines, awards and online submissionat <strong>www</strong>.encounters-festival.org.Encounters Short <strong>Film</strong> and Animation Festival EncountersShort <strong>Film</strong> and Animation Festival is the umbrella festival forAnimated Encounters and Brief Encounters which togetherpresents one of the world’s best-known showcases and meetingpoints for new and established international short andanimated film talent.Encounters is the longest running competitive short film andanimation festival in the UK. Encounters seeks to promote theimportance of short film as a means to develop and progressthe next generation of creative talent. The 19th edition willbe held in Bristol, UK, from 17th to 22nd September 2013. Encountersis a qualifying UK festival for the Oscars®, BAFTAs,European <strong>Film</strong> Awards and Cartoon d’Or.For more details log on to: <strong>www</strong>.encounters-festival.org.ukorg.uk - Festival Office: +44 (0) 117 929 918853<strong>www</strong>.<strong>ufmag</strong>.org
<strong>Universal</strong> <strong>Film</strong><strong>Issue</strong> 8 - 2013“ “ “<strong>www</strong>.<strong>ufmag</strong>.org54