As part of our work supporting British short film makers and nurturing new talent, the British Council sponsors the Best of British Award at the Encounters Film Festival, held in Bristol, UK.

2008 was the 14th year of the Encounters Short Film Festival, and the first time the British Council has sponsored the Best of British Award. The festival showcases British and International shorts encompassing all genres, emerging talent and children’s films.

At a gala ceremony in November, Bristol-based filmmaker Esther May Campbell was announced as winner of the Best of British Award for her short film September, 'an 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'.

The award is offered to the film judged to be best in all areas of production, direction and story, with the aim of helping to promote and market the chosen short film on the festival circuit to the sum of £1,000. The jury comprised:

Lynda Mills, Head of Fiction Direction at the National Film and Television School
Simon Perry, Chief Executive of the Irish Film Board
and Adrian Utley, Composer and member of Portishead.

The British Council has supported Esther for several years through our short film submission scheme, with her previous films Delilah and Skip Life. In July this year Esther was selected as one of Screen International’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’.

Encounters offers a platform for new and established filmmakers to showcase their work, be inspired, talk technology, share ideas and make new connections. As well as screenings the festival hosts special events, workshops and masterclasses. For more information on the festival including information on all films screened and winners of the other awards, see www.encounters-festival.org.uk.