140 Films, 18 Premieres and Major New Music Events for Encounters 2026

9th September 2026 Bristol’s Encounters Film Festival (23-27 September) has unveiled its 2026 programme, led by the UK premiere of Paper Plane, the directorial and screenwriting debut of Academy Award‑nominated actor Saoirse Ronan, and the English premiere of Mission, directed by Paul Wright and produced by Bristol’s own Early Day Films, with Wright and star Rosy McEwen set to attend. Amongst the packed programme's many highlights is a special creative exchange with Bristol's fellow UNESCO City of Film, Quezon City (the Philippines).

Watch Citizens for Culture

9th September 2026 A new 16-minute documentary tells the story of the West of England’s Citizens’ Assembly for Culture through the people who took part – and invites more people to be part of what happens next.

Philip Walker (Head of Culture & Creative Industries, Bristol City Council), Natalie Moore (Bristol UNESCO City of Film Manager, Bristol City Council), Esther Dermott (Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean, Arts Law and Social Sciences, University of Bristol), Toni Fry (Head of Faculty Global Engagement, University of Bristol)

Bristol UNESCO City of Film and University of Bristol sign Memorandum of Understanding

20th May 2026 Bristol City Council and the University of Bristol have signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cement the strategic partnership between Bristol’s UNESCO City of Film designation and the University’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences.

UNESCO South West Trails launches in partnership with Great Western Railway

21st April 2026 A new campaign and digital platform, Explore UNESCO South West Trails, has been launched by the South West of England’s 8 UNESCO sites - including Bristol City of Film.

Powerful Bristol-set feature Surviving Earth opens in UK cinemas 24th April

17th April 2026 Surviving Earth, the debut feature from writer/director Thea Gajic, arrives in UK cinemas on 24th April 2026. We take a closer look at the creative team and cultural influences behind this striking indie feature, as well as the significance of Bristol as the film's backdrop, described by Gajic as "the city that holds the spirit of our film within its streets, culture and landmarks."

BAFTA albert presents Bristol Production Power

26th March 2026 It was our pleasure to welcome BAFTA albert to Bristol earlier this month for Bristol Production Power, a special event at Watershed presented in association with Bristol City Council’s Film Services, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and industry partners.