THE inaugural Bolton Film Festival kicks off today.

The two day event will see the best of short feature films hit the big screen at the Light Cinema in the town centre.

Attendees are also enjoying a series of industry talks starting at 1pm.

It will feature the likes of documentary makers award-nominated Rubika Shah and Aaquil Ahmed – former head of religion to the BBC – to actor-turned-writer Rachel Shenton and Bolton-born producer Julie Foy with their Bafta-tipped short The Silent Child.

Organiser Adrian Barber, from Bradshaw, said: “I’m excited to see it all come to fruition.

“I am excited and nervous. It couldn’t have gone better and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would get as big as it has.

“We have sold out of a lot of events, most of the festival is now sold out. Film festivals don’t usually do that, it is usually just a small representation of people in the cinema.”

The event, which boasts Bolton actress Maxine Peake as its patron, will pack out screens at the cinema based in the Market Place Shopping Centre.

Writers, directors, actors and more will be in town for the event featuring films in categories including best North West short, best student short, best community short and best international short.

The films on show have been sent in by both local film makers and international ones. To find out more visit www.boltonfilmfestival.com.

A panel of industry judges with talent from Bolton and beyond have watched the films and chosen winners who will be announced at a big red carpet event tomorrow night.