A FILM festival aimed at creating tomorrow’s film-makers has been launched by an award-winning director.

Alex Cox, the director of cult classics Repo Man and Sid and Nancy, arrived at Accrington and Rossendale College last night for the beginning of the third annual Pennine Film Festival.

The event, launched with a screening of Mr Cox’s low-budget 2007 film Searchers and followed by a question and answer session with students, also features a number of screenings and culminates in an awards night on Friday.

Prizes will be available to filmmakers in categories including short films, animated films and even mobile phone film.

One category, for the best documentary or factual film, is sponsored by the Lancashire Telegraph.

Stephen Murphy, organiser of the festival, said meeting Mr Cox would provide many young filmmakers with an insight into how to get started.

He said: “It offers our students the chance to get up-close and personal with some of the most successful people in the film industry and take away invaluable advice.

“We’ve kept many of the Film Festival events exclusive to our students as a reward for their hard work, but we feel that everyone in the community should benefit so many are open to the public.”

Other guests lined up for the festival include Letter to Brezhnev director Chris Bernard, filmmaker Bruno Coppola and actor Joe O’Byrne.

FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS

Bruno Coppola, will screen 'Rules of Love' and answer questions at the Coppice Theatre, Accrington and Rossendale College, today (10am - noon).

Chase Johnston-Lynch, music video director, will lead a lecture on his craft at the TV Studio, Accrington and Rossendale College today from 1pm.

Sushil Chudasama, who has starred in Coronation Street, will give an acting workshop at the Coppice Theatre, on Thursday (9.30am - midday).

Director Chris Bernard and producer Julie Lau will discuss short film-making at the Coppice Theatre from 1pm on Thursday.

Actor/writer Joe O' Byrne will give a question and answer session at the Coppice Theatre, on Friday (10am - 1pm).

To book tickets for any of these events call 01254 354204 or e-mail smurphy@accross.ac.uk.