Encounters hosted a preview party as a prelude to the Encounters Short Film Festival (Nov 18-23) at the Hospital Club in Covent Garden on Tuesday.

BAFTA-award-winning actor and director, Paddy Considine, triple Oscar winner, Richard Williams, and Clare Kitson, the former Channel 4 commissioner, are among the guests confirmed for the five day festival of international short film and animation in Bristol.

There will be screenings of over 300 international short films and animations as well as editing and cinematography masterclasses. The festival will also host an awards ceremony.

Managing Director Liz Harkman says: 'It's a terrific programme and fully reflects why Encounters is one of Britain's best known and best liked short film festivals, and why it commands such strong local, national and international support. The credit crunch makes these challenging times for cultural events everywhere but we feel that the industry, film students and general public won't want to miss the rich variety of experiences we will be offering.'