Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival are taking applications from LGBT+ filmmakers for their 2017 diversity programme.
Encounters Short Film & Animation Festival is looking for up and coming filmmakers as part of its Widening the Lens programme, which is now open for entries.
UK based filmmakers from a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) background, filmmakers with disabilities, LGBT+ filmmakers and female filmmakers are invited to apply for the free training and development programme by Friday February 3, 2017.
After a successful introduction in 2016, Widening the Lens will return for 2017 with the aim to address and improve diversity within the filmmaking industry. The programme has a particular focus on removing barriers and increasing opportunities for underrepresented filmmakers in the early stages of their careers.
In 2016 Marley Morrison took the main prize, receiving mentorship for her film Baby Gravy, a short comedy, set in a service station, about a lesbian couple awaiting the arrival of a sperm donor they have met online and the desperate events that occur when he doesn’t show.
Following the February deadline, 15 filmmakers will be selected for the programme which includes a series of workshops, master classes and one-to-one mentoring with industry professionals over a five month period.
The programme will start with a two-day workshop in Bristol on March 2-3, 2017.
Run by leading industry experts, the aim of the two days is to help the filmmakers develop their skills and knowledge of pre-production, funding, exhibition and festival strategies.
Following the event, the candidates will be matched with a mentor who will work closely with them over the following three months, building a personal development plan and ending with a celebration day in May.
The programme is supported by Creative Skillset’s Film Skills Fund, with BFI’s Film Forever National Lottery Funds.
The deadline for applications is February 3 with the shortlist set to be announced on February 20, 2017.
To apply online, click here: