Join the Board of Encounters

About Encounters Film Festival

Encounters was founded in Bristol in 1995 to mark the centenary of cinema, a moment to celebrate the origins of the moving image and to look for what it might become next. That instinct, to find and champion the new, the bold, and the not-yet-established, has been at the heart of the festival ever since. Over three decades it grew from a local programme at Watershed into one of the UK's most significant international film festivals, rooted in a city already shaped by Aardman, the BBC Natural History Unit, and a deep tradition of radical creativity. Its international short film competition is BAFTA-qualifying and carries the UK's nomination for the European Film Awards, making it a true gateway to the industry, with alumni now regularly appearing at the highest levels of international cinema.

Following a successful relaunch in 2025, we are at the start of an exciting new chapter. Bristol is home to world-leading creative industries, film, animation, music, games, and beyond, and as the region's major international festival Encounters is uniquely placed to reflect that richness and bring it to the world. The people of Bristol and the South West deserve a festival that supports the creative talent of tomorrow, brings the world's most exciting voices to the city, and puts the region on the international stage.

We're Looking for Trustees - Click here to apply

We're building our Board with 8-12 passionate, skilled people who can guide our strategic direction and support our growth. We're particularly interested in expertise in:

Priority areas:

• Corporate partnerships & sponsorship - securing major sponsorship deals in film and creative industries

• Screen industries leadership - senior credibility in film, TV, or broader screen sector with international networks

• Legal - charity law expertise plus digital rights and IP knowledge

• Marketing & audience development - growing festival reach and impact

• Fundraising - trusts, foundations, corporate, and individual donors

• Finance - charity accounting and financial sustainability

• Education and youth engagement - widening access and connecting young people to screen industries

• Digital platforms and technology - YouTube, social media, web development

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• Genuine passion for independent film and supporting emerging talent

• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and public benefit

• Available for at least 4 board meetings annually (in Bristol or hybrid)

• Time commitment: approximately 1-2 days per month

• Willingness to be an active ambassador for the festival

We particularly welcome:

• People with Bristol or South West connections who also bring international perspectives and networks

• Diverse backgrounds currently underrepresented in arts governance

• Early to mid-career professionals alongside experienced leaders

• Those who reflect the communities we serve

What You'll Do

As a trustee, you'll share collective responsibility for:

• Setting strategic direction and approving annual plans and budgets

• Ensuring financial sustainability and good governance

• Supporting and holding accountable our Executive Director

• Championing the festival to funders, partners, and stakeholders

• Contributing specialist expertise to board discussions

What We Offer

• Shape the future of a prestigious 30-year festival with international reputation

• Real influence during an exciting growth phase

• Bristol and international creative sector networks

• Personal fulfilment supporting filmmakers and advancing screen culture

• Trustee indemnity insurance and expenses reimbursed

The Details

• Term: 3 years (renewable once for maximum 6 years total)

• Meetings: 4 per year in Bristol (hybrid options available)

• Time commitment: 1-2 days per month on average

• Remuneration: Unpaid voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Click here to apply

If you'd like to discuss the role before applying, please email to arrange a call with our Executive Director, Dave Taylor-Matthews - dave@encounters.film We're committed to building a diverse board and particularly welcome applications from people who might not traditionally see themselves in governance roles. If you're unsure whether your experience is relevant, please get in touch. 

________________________________________________________________________________

Encounters Film Festival is a registered charity committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants.