One of the country's leading celebrations of short film returns to the Harbourside for its 15th year. This year's Encounters Short Film Festival includes film competitions, international screenings and a retrospective of Russian animator Andrei Khrahanovsky.

Special Guests
Previous years have seen the likes of Phill Jupitus, Mark Kermode and Frank Cottrell Boyce. This year, the Encounters Short Film Festival is hosting a special celebration to mark the 70th birthday of Russian animator Andrei Khrahanovsky. It includes a retrospective of his work with early animated films from the Soviet period. This will be introduced by Khrahanovsky and followed by a question and answer session.

Competition Screenings
Whether you're a film fan, or a wannabe director, the competition screenings are not to be missed. They're a showcase of the hottest talent from British and international film-makers. This year's Encounters Short Film Festival competition screenings have been increased and you'll be able to see these gems throughout the five-day event for less than £5.

Cartoon d'Or
One of the highlights of the Encounters Short Film Festival is the Cartoon d'Or prize, the only European prize for the animation industry. This year's finalists include offerings from Sweden, France, Germany, and Bristol's very own Nick Park with his BBC hit - Wallace & Gromit: A Matter Of Loaf And Death.

Networking
Other events at this year's Encounters Short Film Festival include a networking evening with film-makers and media bigwigs as well as the chance to pitch your film idea to fundraisers, directors and producers. There's also a Kodak Cinematographer Masterclass with director of photography Gary Shaw who has worked on films such as The World Is Not Enough, Enemy Of The State and Entrapment.

The Encounters Short Film Festival takes place at the Watershed and Arnolfini from 17th November - 22nd November 2009. Screenings take place at various times throughout the festival. Admission is £3.50-£5. For more information click on the link below.

Encounters Short Film Festival Official Site