The international film-maker festival is held in the UK for the first time this year at the Vue complex at Thanet’s Westwood Cross retail and leisure centre.

Running from Friday June 20 - Friday June 27, it features a diverse range of independent movies from around the world, with a glittering red carpet awards ceremony on Friday, June 27.

Festival president Carl Tooney created an English-speaking international film festival in Tenerife to showcase independent movies. He said: “Then I created the UK festival to bring together Spanish and English speaking filmmakers for those who enjoy the art of film and for those who simply enjoy watching films.

“We have movies from America, Taiwan, the UK, France, Iraq and the Philippines, to name but a few countries, showing in our first year in this country.

“A lot of these movies will never go on general release at the cinema. This may be the only chance to see them and in some cases talk directly to the film makers.”

The programme of events can be found at www.filmmakerfestival.com. Places are limited and special discounts for students with student cards, is available. E-mail info@filmmakerfestival.com to register your interest for free tickets.

Mr Tooney added: “In our first year in the UK we will not have blockbusters with superstars walking our red carpet but filmmakers such as Steve Coogan and Sir Ian McKellen and British TV stars including Sam Newman have been involved with some of the movies being shown this year.”

From June 20-26 there will be question and answer sessions with some of the filmmakers. This is open to everyone over 18 years old. For more information, see: www.filmmakerfestival.com, or phone 01843 223685, or email info@filmmakerfestival.com.