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Record numbers of entries add an international edge to Encounters Film Festival

When the Encounters festival of animation and short film returns to Bristol, UK, from 21-25 November this year it will be screening the pick from both a record number of entries and more countries than ever before.

An expanded prize pot worth over £20,000 is credited with adding to the kudos of the Encounters awards programme, with the result that this year's entries topped 1,750 and came from a record 66 countries including, for the first time, Belarus, Ecuador, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Uruguay, Western Sahara and Zambia.

Short-listing is still underway but Managing Director Sue Lion says: "With such a huge choice of films and countries in the initial pool, we can guarantee that the screenings at Encounters 2007 will be more varied, in theme, style and nationality, than at any other time in our 13 year history. We've always looked internationally for films to showcase but it's definitely a two-way street now. Increasingly, film-makers and talent-spotters from all over the world, are looking at Encounters as the international showcase that counts."

To add extra international edge, Encounters 2007 will also feature a 'Spotlight on Singapore' event where guests will include the multiple award-winning director Royston Tan, who has been involved in numerous censorship clashes with the Singaporean government over how he depicts local life.

Other attractions this year will include a film school, focused on producing, a celebrity interview, conducted by Mark Kermode, hands-on workshops, debates and a broad range of invitation screenings and networking events.

Sue Lion says: "The full programme will be finalised by late September and our aim is to include something for everyone - from film industry professionals who want to update their contacts books or assess the emerging styles and talent, to general cinema-goers who like hearing the insider stories or views of favourite directors or simply like sampling a wider-than-usual selection of film entertainment."

Most Encounters events take place at Watershed, next to Bristol Harbour, which also acts as the festival's ticket office.