SWIF digest 📬 19 August 2025
Meet ups, screenings, film funds and more for the south west independent film community.
👋 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! 😱⚡️📹 I encourage you all to greenlight your own projects and get going!
🧐 All film pub quiz with Filmmakers Plymouth Social.
Thu 28 Aug from 6pm at Everyman Cinema Plymouth. More details.
🍿 Short film open mic with Exeter Phoenix.
Fri 29 Aug from 7pm at Exeter Phoenix. More details.
🍦 “Ice-Screams by the Sea” beach day with Screams by the Sea Festival.
Sat 30 Aug from 2pm on Bournemouth beach. More details.
🎂 SWIF's 2nd birthday party with BFI Network south west in attendance.
Fri 5 Sep from 7pm at Shredenhams Bristol. More details.
💬 Think tank - filmmakers discussing hurdles.
Mon 8 Sep from 6pm at Silcox Coffee Bath. More details.
🤝 Creatives networking with Create Studios.
Wed 10 Sep from 6pm at Create Studios Swindon. More details.
Here’s your weekly digest for independent film in the South West:
🍻 Networking drinks are taking place in Bristol on 21 Aug. - Eventbrite
👨🏽💻 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
🧐 Film Bath have added a Q&A with Ralph Fiennes to their festival programme, on 17 Oct. - Bath Box Office
🛠️ 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
📸 A new workspace/ darkroom/ gallery has opened in Totnes. Find out more about their community ethos, film/photography nights & desk renting. - Contact Darkroom
👍 BIFA are hosting a free unconscious bias training session online on 1 Oct. - Eventbrite
😎 Encounters Film Festival have released details of their industry programme on 24-26 Sep in Bristol. Tickets on sale now. - Encounters
🧱 Trainee Researcher needed for a factual series in Bristol. Deadline 20 Aug. - Production Base
💃 Casting call for a short film in Bridgwater. Several roles with a mix of genders and ages. Deadline 29 Aug. - Somerset Film
🧑🏫 Performing Arts Teacher with QTS needed in Bristol. Deadline 31 Aug. - Arts Jobs
🌱 Climate Spring are hiring a Communications & Marketing Coordinator (fully remote). Deadline 7 Sep. - Climate Spring
👷🏾 Crew call in Dorset for a HETV drama shooting spring/summer 2026. State your role & department in the subject line. Deadline 15 Sep. - Email
🇰🇷 Writers in Exeter can apply for a residency in South Korea (31 Aug) and a virtual residency in Melbourne (25 Aug). - City of Literature
📮 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
⚡️ Ignite Film Festival takes place near Swindon on 27 Aug - 7 Sep. - Ignite
☠️ Pompey Wood Genre Film Festival takes place in Portsmouth on 30 Aug. - FilmFreeway
⛰️ Frontier Sapiens Film Festival takes place in Southampton on 5 Sep. - Eventbrite
👩❤️👩 The personals: Nothing this week. Get in touch for a free listing.
🍿 On film club: Moolaadé dir. Ousmane Sembène (dvd only) & Daisies dir. Věra Chytilová (on BFIplayer).
📣 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
💌 If you found this helpful please forward it to a friend.
Until next week!
Holly Holdsworth (she/her)
Writer/Director
where I am on the net
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.
