Encounters Launches New Music Video Award with Soho Shorts
Skwigly
Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival, the UK’s leading showcase of its kind and major gateway to the world’s most prestigious short film accolades, announces the launch of a new competitive festival strand for music videos presented in partnership with Soho Shorts.
Encounters has always had a flexible approach to programming that responds to industry developments and the needs of different sectors. 2010 saw the introduction of the Short Documentary Award and in 2011 the festival brought in European New Talent Awards for first-time and student directors. This year the festival will be creating a new showcase and competition for music videos in partnership with and curated by the team behind Soho Shorts, organisers of the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival which ran for 14 years before its closure in 2012.
A co-presented programme will premiere in Bristol at Encounters in September 2013 and then will be showcased at the London Short Film Festival in early 2014, with talent invited to attend both. The events will encourage filmmakers who are working within the music video sector to engage with the festival and increase the diversity of its programme.
The Call for Entries is open until 3 June 2013. Music videos that have already been submitted will automatically be eligible for the Best Music Video Award. The winner of the award will receive a prize of £500 thanks to the support of Rushes, which was the founder of the Soho Shorts festival. Submissions are accepted via Reelport.com: for full information visit www.encounters-festival.org.
Encounters Managing Director Liz Harkman said: “We are excited to be presenting this new award in partnership with Soho Shorts to recognise talent working in the music video sector and ensure the continued representation of this creative field.”
Rushes’ Managing Director Joce Capper Said: “Rushes are delighted to be partnering with Encounters to launch this new Music Video award. We have always supported this genre and those working in Music Videos. We love them! We recognise the creative talent and original ideas on screens today, and the continuing opportunities for new talent music videos provide. We are happy to be involved through this award.”