While the Hollywood elite sweep in and out of Leicester Square for the 50th London Film Festival, those in the know are heading to Battersea instead.

Despite only being in its fourth year, The Buffalo Black and Asian Short Film Festival - taking place at Battersea Arts Centre this Sunday - has already built up a strong following among film buffs and moviemakers alike, And despite its affiliations with Black History Month, the Black and Asian title is a bit of misnomer, according to festival organiser Wade Jacks.

"It is world cinema by another name," says Jacks. "I'm a black filmmaker but, to me, a film is a film.

"The whole idea is people with like minds working together. We all love film so why not put these different perspectives out there? We get films submitted from all over the world."

As proof of Buffalo's growing reputation, Jacks received more than 300 entries this year - three times as many as in 2005.

Those selected range in length from 20 seconds to 20 minutes and span a cross- section of genres from comedy to pathos and from pure drama to experimental work. Everything, says Jacks, except music videos "because they do my head in!"

"We're not so bothered about production values - in other words the amount of cash people throw at the screen," he explains.

"The main criteria is the story and how well that story comes across. I go with what I feel. What is important is showing different points of view."

To encourage new audiences, Jacks has personally handed out reams of flyers in the street and the film programme will also be accompanied with performance poetry and music.

"I don't want it to be a slick, corporate-run event," he says.

"We break between each film so that the audience can take them in properly and at the end of the evening, they vote for the best."

Past winners include Ashvin Kumar's The Little Terrorist, which went on to be nominated for an Oscar, while Antonio's Breakfast by Daniel Mulloy won Best Short Film at last year's BAFTAs.

This year's filmmakers will have the chance to network with industry professionals in the BAC bar after the show. Jacks has lured representatives from companies including Miramax and Channel 4 with the promise: These people are the future of filmaking. It's imperative that you come.' That means you, too.

Buffalo Film Festival, Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill, Battersea, October 22, 6pm, £5/£8. Call 020 7223 2223, visit bac.org.uk.