Encounters Industry and Events Programme will run from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 September across Watershed and the Arnolfini, connecting emerging filmmakers with established professionals through a series of talks, panel discussions, networking events and creative masterclasses. 

Here’s some of what you can expect across our jam-packed Industry programme at Encounters this year.

Wednesday 24 September - Go West

Go West is Encounters regional focus on the South West and Wales. To kick off, we have a conversation hosted by BBC Writers to discuss and premiere the brand-new short film TRUE LOVE AND WORMHOLES shot in the South West and produced by Bristol-based Indefinite Films. This is followed by From Studio Shoots to Street Scenes: Supporting Filming in Bristol - a conversation between The Bottle Yard Studios and Bristol Film Office to learn more about the practical support on offer, and their future priorities for enabling sustainable sector growth in Bristol.

Later in the afternoon, we have Your Route to Greenlight hosted by BFI NETWORK South West. We’ll hear from a panel of industry experts – including acclaimed film and TV director Nida Manzoor, Curtis Brown agent Cynthia Okoye, and James Collins and Kate Maxwell from the BFI Filmmaking Fund team – to gain valuable insights into what’s needed to get a project greenlit for film or TV.

This event will be followed by a Masterclass on Producing HETV from the Bad Wolf team behind some of TV’s most ambitious projects. Creative and Commercial Affairs Executive Emma Obank and producer Flynn MacDonell share what it takes to bring exceptional TV to our screens. We will have an evening drinks reception hosted by the Estonian Embassy to round off the day.

Thursday 25 September - Animated Encounters

Animated Encounters is back with a day dedicated to all things animation. Join us for a series of conversations happening across the harbourside at the Arnolfini!

First up, we have a panel exploring the wonders of Intimate Animation. Intimate Animation is the new book from Skwigly Editor Ben Mitchell and Dr. Laura-Beth Cowley. In this special presentation, the authors and artists will look at the role animation has played in presenting elaborate and complex concepts relating to love and sexuality, not easily described in words nor depicted through live-action filmmaking. This will be followed by a conversation presented in association with Climate Spring, examining the power of climate storytelling in animation with BAFTA-nominated directing duo, Karni and Saul, along with Dane Winn, Director and Creative Lead at Blue Zoo animation studio, and the director, writer and animator Neeraja Raj.

Also that morning, Director Dan Ojari, will present a talk on the making of the short film, An Elephant Never Forgets. A film made with Pat Mchale to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the CN series Over The Garden Wall.

In the afternoon, former literary agent turned producer and founder of New State Pictures, Ana Emdin, and Greg Basterfield, Head Book Buyer at Gosh Comics in Soho, will discuss finding stories in comics and graphic novels, and the processes involved in developing, adapting and optioning IP.

Multi-award-winning artist, writer, and filmmaker Chris Shepherd will follow to deliver a presentation on his stunning debut graphic novel, Anfield Road. This will be followed by Alan Thorn, Course Leader for Virtual Production and Indie Games Development at the NFTS, presenting a talk exploring the evolving landscape of the creative industries, from the rise of real-time engines like Unreal and Unity to the growing impact of AI on animation. Later that afternoon, we will have a special event programmed by Women in Animation for their UK launch, followed by networking drinks.

Alongside our series of talks and screenings, we’re thrilled to be hosting additional fringe activity throughout the day at Watershed, including a stop-motion animation workshop with talented animator and friend of the festival, Laura Tofarides. As well as a (soft) drink and draw, with a twist… 

Friday 26 September - Break Through

Break Though is a day of impactful, inspiring and support-led events designed for people to take the next steps in their careers.

The day opens with an event brought to us by our friends at the Estonian Film Institute, with a spotlight on their international film schools. 

The festival’s industry and events programme will culminate with an unmissable line-up of creative masterclasses. Giving passholders an opportunity to learn from the visionary filmmakers and artists creating engaging, authentic, and compelling films and TV shows.

Award-winning storyboard artist, Jay Clarke, whose credits include Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and Isle of Dogs will lead a masterclass providing a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the construction of these aesthetically spellbinding scenes. Not to be missed!

This will be followed by a masterclass with filmmaker and documentarian Havana Marking (Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, Afghan Star). Havana will discuss risk-taking and her filmmaking career in this session delivered in association with the Documentary Film Council. Later that afternoon, Runyararo Mapfumo (KAOS, Sex Education) will delve into her creative process and directing journey across film and HETV in conversation with actor, writer and activist Adiza Shardow.

In the early evening, BAFTA-winning writer-director and actor, Adjani Salmon, will join Bristolian filmmaker Michael Jenkins to discuss his award-winning storytelling, exploring his route into filmmaking, his progression from shorts to long-form work, and Dreaming Whilst Black (A24’s first ever British TV show). This event will be followed by networking drinks hosted by the British Council Film team.