Beginning life back in 1995, when it was originally envisioned as a one-off short film event, the Encounters Short film and Animation Festival has developed into one of the world's leading lights in showcasing short films and their talented creators. A qualifying festival for the Academy Awards and a gateway to the BAFTAs and the Cartoon d'Or, if you're a short film buff and within reach of Bristol in the UK, then Encounters is a gathering you'll certainly want to be a part of.