SWIF digest ๐ฌ 19 August 2025
Meet ups, screenings, film funds and more for the south west independent film community.
๐ Hi filmmakers. I'm currently resting after shooting my sci-fi/drama short at the weekend (sorry for the shorter digest). Thanks to my amazing team for all of their creativity and hard work! ๐ฑโก๏ธ๐น I encourage you all to greenlight your own projects and get going!
๐ง All film pub quiz with Filmmakers Plymouth Social.
Thu 28 Aug from 6pm at Everyman Cinema Plymouth. More details.
๐ฟ Short film open mic with Exeter Phoenix.
Fri 29 Aug from 7pm at Exeter Phoenix. More details.
๐ฆ โIce-Screams by the Seaโ beach day with Screams by the Sea Festival.
Sat 30 Aug from 2pm on Bournemouth beach. More details.
๐ SWIF's 2nd birthday party with BFI Network south west in attendance.
Fri 5 Sep from 7pm at Shredenhams Bristol. More details.
๐ฌ Think tank - filmmakers discussing hurdles.
Mon 8 Sep from 6pm at Silcox Coffee Bath. More details.
๐ค Creatives networking with Create Studios.
Wed 10 Sep from 6pm at Create Studios Swindon. More details.
Hereโs your weekly digest for independent film in the South West:
๐ป Networking drinks are taking place in Bristol on 21 Aug. - Eventbrite
๐จ๐ฝโ๐ป Screen Cornwall are hosting an online session on 26 Aug about their Production Ready Pathways Cohort. New entrants in sound, production & assistant directing don't miss this. - Eventbrite
๐ง Film Bath have added a Q&A with Ralph Fiennes to their festival programme, on 17 Oct. - Bath Box Office
๐ ๏ธ If you're 16-25 yrs then book in for some of Creative Youth Networks free workshops on everything from socially engaged art to producing. A mix of online and in person, Sep - Nov. - Creative Youth Network
๐ธ A new workspace/ darkroom/ gallery has opened in Totnes. Find out more about their community ethos, film/photography nights & desk renting. - Contact Darkroom
๐ BIFA are hosting a free unconscious bias training session online on 1 Oct. - Eventbrite
๐ Encounters Film Festival have released details of their industry programme on 24-26 Sep in Bristol. Tickets on sale now. - Encounters
๐งฑ Trainee Researcher needed for a factual series in Bristol. Deadline 20 Aug. - Production Base
๐ Casting call for a short film in Bridgwater. Several roles with a mix of genders and ages. Deadline 29 Aug. - Somerset Film
๐งโ๐ซ Performing Arts Teacher with QTS needed in Bristol. Deadline 31 Aug. - Arts Jobs
๐ฑ Climate Spring are hiring a Communications & Marketing Coordinator (fully remote). Deadline 7 Sep. - Climate Spring
๐ท๐พ Crew call in Dorset for a HETV drama shooting spring/summer 2026. State your role & department in the subject line. Deadline 15 Sep. - Email
๐ฐ๐ท Writers in Exeter can apply for a residency in South Korea (31 Aug) and a virtual residency in Melbourne (25 Aug). - City of Literature
๐ฎ Upcoming film festival submission deadlines: Cornwall (22 Aug), Cardiff Animation (25 Aug), Cardiff Mini (26 Aug), Pigeon Laughs (30 Aug), Two Short Nights, Carmarthen Bay (both 31 Aug), Bournemouth International (12 Sep) & Portsmouth Shorts::Cut (15 Sep). - FilmFreeway
โก๏ธ Ignite Film Festival takes place near Swindon on 27 Aug - 7 Sep. - Ignite
โ ๏ธ Pompey Wood Genre Film Festival takes place in Portsmouth on 30 Aug. - FilmFreeway
โฐ๏ธ Frontier Sapiens Film Festival takes place in Southampton on 5 Sep. - Eventbrite
๐ฉโโค๏ธโ๐ฉ The personals: Nothing this week. Get in touch for a free listing.
๐ฟ On film club: Moolaadรฉ dir. Ousmane Sembรจne (dvd only) & Daisies dir. Vฤra Chytilovรก (on BFIplayer).
๐ฃ Have something to share on the next digest? Could be an event, workshop, behind the scenes updates, crew call, showcasing your work or a personal ad. Get in touch! hollyholdsworth@gmail.com
๐ If you found this helpful please forward it to a friend.
Until next week!
Holly Holdsworth (she/her)
Writer/Director. bsky website tiktok
Inclusion in this email does not denote endorsement. I will always try to platform the best opportunities for this community and am not affiliated with any organisation, unless explicitly mentioned besides the link.
