A FRESH celebration of the cinematic arts is set to take the area by storm - with a focus on grass-roots auteurs.

Supporters of Leigh Film Society have drawn up a 14-strong showcase of the best in low and no-budget film-making.

The event follows hot on the heels of the Bolton International Film Festival, which drew to a close last week.

Leigh's Spinners Mill will be the venue for the film society's Wigan and Leigh Short Film Festival.

Thought-provoking dramas, coronavirus comedies and slick animations will each do battle on Saturday, November 20, to become the festival's overall winner.

An audience vote will select the grand champion but there are also trophies on offer for the best animation, best north west production and best work by a young director.

Entries have come in for consideration from as far afield as Greece and Vietnam. Students from Edge Hill University will be involved in staging the awards night.

Paul Costello, festival chairman, said: “This year will be our eighth short film festival and again it’s another exciting line-up.

"We’ve seen the festival organically grow and develop into the success it is today.

"Despite lockdown submissions have been brilliant and the selections will take our audience on an exciting and entertaining journey.”

Actor Darren Jeffries, who will host the event, said: “I love the short film festival, it’s such a valuable addition to the north west film community. The teams care very deeply about the future of film and local filmmakers, and it’s a wonderful event to be a part of.”

Film society patron and Leigh Spinners Mill general manager Jo Platt said: “It is an absolute honour to be able to host the festival here in the mill.

“I have been involved with Leigh Film Society now for a number of years and not only do they do so much for the community but their national reach in showcasing filmmaking talent really does put Leigh on the map.”

Tickets are now on sale for the event via the ticketsource website and for more details about the event go online to www.wiganleighfilmfestival.org.uk/