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# Film festival takes applications for 2017 diversity programme
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/film-festival-takes-applications-for-2017-diversity-programme/
- Published: 2016-12-28T19:20:05.000Z
- Updated: 2016-12-28T19:20:17.000Z
- Description: Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival are taking applications from LGBT+ filmmakers for their 2017 diversity programme.
- Author: Besi
- Tags: Arts, In The South, News

## *Encounters* Short Film and Animation Festival are taking applications from LGBT+ filmmakers for their 2017 diversity programme.

[![Marley Morrison took the main prize 2016](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web-600-60.jpg)](http://gscene.com/news/film-festival-takes-applications-for-2017-diversity-programme/attachment/web-600-5316/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)

Marley Morrison took the main prize 2016

***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:](http://encounters-festival.org.uk/training-diverse-filmmakers-widening-lens/?ref=scenemag.co.uk)