The 17th Bristol Encounters International Film Festival has almost arrived (16 – 20 Nov 2011), and will showcase 180 new short films and animations from emerging and established talent from 31 countries in competition across strands Animated and Brief Encounters.
This year at Animated Encounters, the strand celebrating all things animated, presents a special focus on Irish Animation supported by the Irish Film Board. From a programme celebrating emerging animators in Spotlight on Ireland – New Irish Animation (Fri, 18th Nov), to a studio focus on an award winning animation company Cartoon Saloon (Fri, 18th Nov), Animated Encounters hosts a major celebration of talent from Ireland.
On this year’s Spotlight on Ireland – New Irish Animation, Kieran Argo, Animation Programme Manager said ‘We are delighted to welcome back another exciting and diverse programme of Irish short animated films, which demonstrate the strength of creative talent being fostered in Ireland and shows us in the UK how production companies can gain critical success on the international stage given the right levels of support.
A special thanks must go to the Irish Film Board for their continuing support of the festival and dedication to their home-grown animation talent.’
Animated Encounters also celebrates the work of established artists. Last year the festival hosted a special studio focus on award winning company Brown Bag Films with Co-founder Cathal Gaffney.
This year, the festival highlights the work of Cartoon Saloon, with Creative Director and Co-Founder Tomm Moore. Famous for The Secret of Kells which received a nomination for Best Animated feature at the Academy Awards® in 2010, the studio is currently developing and producing a number feature film and TV projects including the award winning children’s series Skunk Fu!
For the full festival programme, tickets and Delegates passes visit www.encounters-festival.org.uk
