Encounters unveils new leadership team alongside call for entries

Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival has announced Rich Warren and Alice Cabanas as the new leadership team for the festival, combining talents to deliver the most cutting edge and international event to date.

David Sproxton, Founder of Encounters commented; “We were astounded by the talent showcased in the submissions for the festival in 2015 and the number of successful nominations through to the shortlist for the Oscars and BAFTAs goes to show how Encounters is a gateway to international success. With Rich and Alice at the helm the festival promises to be a dynamic forum for debate, education and networking.”

New festival Co-Director Rich Warren has a long history with Encounters, after spending 8 years delivering it as producer and operations manager. His extensive knowledge of the short film world, filmmaking and dedication to nurturing new talent in the industry makes him the perfect person to lead the industry vision and development for Encounters in coming years.

New Co-Director Alice Cabanas has delivered the marketing and business development for two editions of Encounters bringing with her wide-ranging experience in festival and arts promotion. This includes working extensively in Wales including directing the marketing for World Stage Design, for which she won the Wales Marketing Award in 2014. She will now head all of the special event and marketing elements of the festival including audience development initiatives.

The festival is now open for entries for live action and animated short films from anywhere in the world, with the team prepared for its biggest number of films submitted to date after a stunning performance from its festival winners in 2015. All of the 2016 BAFTA nominees for Animated Short Film were screened at the last festival and the judging panel’s EFA nominee has been shortlisted for the Live Action Short Film BAFTA.

Six films shortlisted for the 2016 Oscrars© are made by Encounters alumni and were screened at Encounters (an Oscar© qualifying festival) in 2015, while Screen Daily and the BFI have named Jorn Threfall as Rising Star of Tomorrow, after winning two awards at Encounters 2015. Deadline for submission of short films made in 2015 is Monday 29th February, for short films made in 2016 is Monday 2nd May is for films by UK students is Monday 6th June for consideration by the festival submission panel.

Visit www.encounters-festival.org.uk for further details or check @encounterssff or Encounters Short Film Festival on Facebook.