This year’s Stroud Film Festival will offer something for every age and taste for film-lovers across the district.

The popular festival, which is now in its fourth year, will kick off a varied two week programme with their traditional opening night at the Prince Albert pub in Rodborough on Sunday, March 4.

Following the success of the previous three festivals, this year’s events aim to appeal to an even wider range of tastes, with listings that include newly released films, special events, films for children and some exciting workshops for those who want to get into film.

BAFTA winning filmmaker Jimmy Edmonds, who is part of the team of volunteers behind the festival said: “This year’s film festival promises to be the most exciting yet, with lots of films and big screen events which you simply can’t find online.”

As well as internationally acclaimed titles, the festival will also feature world-respected talent from the around the district, including Lindsey Dryden, the Gloucestershire based co-producer of Unrest, and Craig Parkinson.

English actor Craig, will take part in a Q and A session on March 9, as part of a screening evening for the film Control, a biopic of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis in which he played the role of Tony Wilson.

Stroud Community TV Awards will make a welcome return on March 17, to celebrate the fantastic range of film made by, or about, people in Stroud.

On March 14 another award-winning Stroud-based filmmaker and artist Joe Magee will discuss his work in a Q&A with Stroud landlady and music promoter Lotte Lyster.

As well as showing some selected shorts Joe will discuss how he got into film making and talk about his approach to his work, including his long collaborative period with performer Bill Bailey.

He will also talk about the making of his latest short film, No Sherbet, a crowdfunded project starring Keith Allen and Seán Gleeson set in Stroud and made with actors and crew almost entirely living in the Stroud district.

And aside from some exceptional films, and the opportunity to have in depth discussions with those behind and in front of the camera, there is also the chance for people of all ages to learn more about films and filmmaking.

Into Film, a national BFI funded charity, will be visiting the district in order to deliver a workshop on film programming for young people aged 16-19.

The session will take place during the afternoon of Friday, March 16 at the Electric Picture House in Wotton-Under-Edge.

Anyone aged between 16 and 19 years of age who would like to attend this free event, should email jane.coulter@intofilm.org by Friday 9th March.

Additionally Atelier will be running a one day workshop for people who would like to learn film making skills with special rates for young people.

With a packed programme of immersive film-screenings and animations, plus collaborations with many of the venues and organisations across the area, this year’s festival promises to be a treat for fans of the big screen.

The festival is run by a not for profit organisation and is supported by Stroud Town Council, Stroud Arts Festival and Film Hub South West.

Stroud Film Festival 2018 runs March 4 until March 18.

For more details and to book tickets visit stroudfilmfestival.org and keep your eyes peeled for free programmes which are prominently displayed in most venues and shops around Stroud.