The 14th International Encounters Short Film Festival held its awards ceremony at Watershed on Saturday evening and for several Bristol filmmakers it was a night to remember.



The prize of £1,000 for Best British entry went to “September” by Esther May Campbell of Easton with her atmospheric story, shot where motorways speed through ancient countryside, near Severn Bridge, about a meeting between a young no-hoper and a girl who is learning to fly.

“Leaving” by Richard Penfold and Sam Hearn of Omni Productions, won both the award for the best film from the SW region and as the festival audience’s favourite, for their heart rending story illustrating the social issues surrounding battered wives. The film has already won the Turner Classic Movies Short Film prize.

“What’s Virgin Mean?” by Michael Davies won a prize from the National Film & Television School in the 10th annual DepicT! challenge, to find the best 90 second micro-movie.

Esther May Campbell, tipped by the UK Film Council as a Star of Tomorrow said “I am chuffed. It’s really lovely to have work made and shown in home town”.



In addition, “The Life Sized Zeotrope” by Bristol-based Mark Simon Hewis, was a double runner-up (in the Best from the West category and in the contest to find the best international newcomer to animation); “Keith Reynolds Can’t make it Tonight” by Felix Massie of Bristol, got a special commendation from the international animation newcomer jury, and Cormac McCormack’s documentary “Christmas with Dad”, about a 23-year-old Bristol man with failing eyesight who acts as father to seven children, was a runner-up for the Best of British prize.



Considering this year’s festival attracted over 1000 entries from 63 countries, we should be very proud indeed.

Click here to see full details of all this year’s prize winners.