Bristol Encounters International Film Festival returns to Watershed and the Arnolfini this November (16th to 20th) to showcase the best short film and animation talent from around the world.

The festival will showcase 180 new films from emerging and established talent from 31 countries in competition across strands Animated and Brief Encounters.

Festival favourites Desert Island Flicks return with a champion of animation to discuss their favourite and most influential films; BAFTA Masterclass present an intimate insight into the life and workings of a celebrated figure from the British screen.

The headline events continue with film and music fusions from the Bird Man of Alkijazz Tony Orrell and Scissor Sister’s Musical Director and Keyboard player John (JJ) Garden, who will perform an exclusive live accompaniment to a selection of silent and experimental films and animations. The Cube Cinema with be offering a slice of Bristol’s eccentric and electrifying arts scene and hosting a series of dynamic events including The Magical Misery Tour, a live VJ set inspired by cult horror classics from People Like Us.

Taking short film out of the cinema and onto the streets, the festival presents a series of unusual short film experiences free to the public, including the fabulous Vintage Movie Bus screening archive shorts, and a boutique pop up cinema on Bristol’s trendiest high-street, screening daily shorts by talent from across the city.

The full festival programme, Delegate registration and online tickets sales will be available from 4 October. For more information visit www.encounters-festival.org.uk. Join the discussion and find us on Facebook and Twitter @EncountersSFF #ENC2011

For further information or interviews, please contact Caroline Jones, Margaret London, caroline@margaretlondon.com or Hilary Cornwell, hilary@margaretlondon.com