Bristol Science Film Festival is a science film competition to support all those film-makers trying to tell the most interesting facts (or science fictions), no matter their resources. The annual competition is open to amateur and experienced film makers, all we ask is that films are less than 10 minutes in length and based on any science fact or fiction theme. 

The closing date for the 2021 competition is 1 May 2021. Shortlisted films will be screened at a virtual or theatre-based filmmaker’s screening and on the Big Screen in Millennium Square, Bristol, at a later date. The winners will be announced at the filmmaker’s screening.

This year to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of Elizabeth Blackwell, the Institute has collaborated with Bristol Science Film Festival to award a special prize for health related films. Bristol-born Elizabeth Blackwell was a pioneering figure in medical sciences: she was both the first woman to receive a medical degree in the US and the first woman added to the British General Medical Council’s register.

Elizabeth fought challenge after challenge to bring change in public health, healthcare and medical education as well as leading on social and moral reforms during her lifetime. Within three years of her 1849 graduation, 20 more women had followed in her footsteps and graduated from medical schools in the US.

Feeling inspired by Elizabeth’s story? Challenges in health are far from over, and the social challenges are as important as the scientific ones. We want to see your short films – whether they unveil complexities of lab research or tell stories of activists that push for real change. This could include an exploration of women in the workplace, or the inclusion of wider communities in addressing health challenges or improving education.

We will award £150 to the winner and £50 to the runner up. To be considered, just submit your film to the Festival via FilmFreeway under the appropriate category (i.e. Science Fact Amateur or Professional) and you’ll automatically be considered for the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute health film prize.

Already submitted your film? Final decisions are made until after the competition closing date of 1 May 2021. If you have already submitted your film on a health-related topic, it’ll automatically be eligible for the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute prize.