THE Bolton International Film Festival takes place this week with five venues across the town showcasing over 150 short films from both the UK and abroad.

Between Tuesday, October 1 and Thursday, October 3, The Light Cinema, The Market Place, Bolton Library and Museum, The Albert Halls and Neo Art Gallery will host screenings, talks, masterclasses and networking events, with Bolton-born actress Diane Morgan headlining on the festival’s final night.

Festival director, Adrian Barber, said: “The response to the festival was so positive last year, we’ve grown in popularity in record time and expect many of our talks and screenings to sell out this edition.

“Our line-up of speakers is exceptional. Many of the films have already won awards from the best festivals in the world, others are just beginning their festival journey. The schedule on paper is looking great - I can’t wait now to share the reality.”

One of the highlights of the festival will be a VFX (visual effects) event where college students from across the North West will get the opportunity to listen to industry speakers, including graduates from the VFX course at the University of Bolton.

Matt Lilley, assistant teaching professor and VFX lecturer at the University of Bolton, said: “There are great opportunities for VFX work in the UK right now. “Successful graduates have come from different areas such as Art, Design, Film, Media, Computing and IT.”

Tickets and passes are on sale now at the festival website : www.boltonfilmfestival.com