Depict is a super-short film competition running since 1998 as part of Encounters Film Festival (September, Bristol, UK) – a key destination for new and emerging talent, Encounters spotlights short film as a vital and exciting art form, offer validation at a critical crossroad in artists’ careers, equip new talent with the support needed to take their next steps, and create a space where lifelong collaborations can be made. Watershed managed the Depict short film competition after its creation by Brief Encounters in 1998 as a storyboarding competition from 1999 until 2022.
Depict is about creative freedom and imagination – it doesn’t matter what your budget is or what genre you’re working in as long as you show originality and are able to connect with audiences.
The competition is open to anyone from anywhere in the world, and entry is absolutely free – but there is one simple rule: your film MUST be 90 seconds or less in duration.
Each year, they enlist the expertise of a panel of industry professionals to select the winners. Previous jury members have included cinematographers such as Robbie Ryan BSC, Rachel Morrison A.S.C and Annemarie Lean-Vercoe FRPS, directors Peter Jackson and Royston Tan, and industry practitioners such as Sorcha Bacon (Producer and Try Hard Films founder), Catherine Bray (Channel 4’s Random Acts), Tabitha Jackson (Channel 4, Sundance), Chris Auty (National Film and Television School) and David Sproxton (Aardman Animations). All short-listed entries are also open to the Audience Award.
The short-listed entries are also exhibited online at depict.org where from early September onwards they are open for votes towards an Audience Award.
Location:
United KingdomBenefits
- Awards and prizes TBC
Eligibilities
- Depict is open to short films of all production techniques, including animation, documentary, drama, experimental or artistic film, and hybrid work.
- Only films completed since January 2022 may be submitted.
Application Process
- The duration of the film(s) must not exceed 90 seconds including titles and credits.
- Only films completed since January 2022 may be submitted. Whilst they do not have a premiere policy, they positively encourage entries made specifically for Depict.
- The maximum number of entries per individual is THREE.
- The primary contact completing the submission process must be authorized to submit the film(s) and must have obtained the necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted music and/or images within the films.
- If the original language is not English, please ensure that the film includes English subtitles.
- If your film(s) is /are shortlisted, you will be asked to promptly send in a high-resolution version of your film for online use on depict.org, connected social media channels, and screening at the Encounters Film Festival (September 2023). You will also need to supply publicity stills, a synopsis, and a bio.
Please note that only the director(s) will be credited on the website and any other promotional material. In the case of shortlisted and/or winning co-directors, multiple prizes may be granted at the discretion of the organizers.
Application Deadline: June 12, 2023
Application ClosedOfficial link
