Encounters, one of the major highlights of the UK festival calendar, is back! After the disappointment of its 2024 cancellation – due to inadequate funds – many feared the beloved event might never return. But thanks to the dedication of Executive Director Dave Taylor-Matthews and his team, Encounters makes its long-awaited comeback in 2025, celebrating its landmark 30th edition. This year promises not only to showcase bold, inventive new works, but also to provide that vital meeting point where fresh creative projects, collaborations, and careers are sparked.

As with any festival of this scale and pedigree, the programme is brimming with names familiar to us here at Short of the Week. To mark the occasion – and to spotlight our talented alums who have films in the line-up – we’ve pulled together a special collection on Shortverse.

Check out the S/W alums with films at Encounters – click on the image to view the collection

And if you’re not UK-based (or simply can’t make the trip to Bristol), don’t worry. Encounters isn’t one of those festivals that refuses to select shorts if they’re already online, which means you don’t have to miss out. For a taste of what the festival has to offer, dive into our hand-picked nine-film collection – available to watch now on Shortverse.

Watch nine shorts from the 2025 edition of Encounters online now – click on the image to view the collection

If you’re curious about what else Encounters has lined up for its 30th edition, the full programme is now available online. Alongside screenings of more than 100 short films, the festival is also hosting a series of special events and industry sessions. Expect insights and advice from an impressive roster of guests, including Nida Manzoor, Dan Ojari, Chris Shepherd and Adjani Salmon, alongside screenings of debut features by S/W alums Thea Gajic and Dean Puckett.

Our Managing Editor, Rob Munday, will also be on the ground – feel free to connect if you see him around.