STROUD Film Festival launched a packed fortnight of events to an appreciative audience at the Prince Albert pub in Rodborough last weekend.

The festival, which runs until March 18, show a wide range of films over two weeks, as well as hosting film-themed workshops and exhibitions.

This weekend’s events include a sci-fi themed evening hosted by Strictly Cinema and a 60 second film challenge led by Chalford-based filmmaker Jimmy Edmonds.

Returning for a second year, Strictly Cinema will be presenting ‘a sci-fi disco-topia’ at the Malthouse in Stroud.

The evening will begin with a screening of Ridley Scott's classic 1979 'Alien' before a collaboration with renowned Stroud DJs Disco Sucks take over with a 'space disco' after party into the early hours.

Co-producer Louisa Birkin said: "We are very excited to reveal our new venue – incredibly atmospheric, the basement level of the Malthouse will provide the perfect backdrop for an eerie viewing of Alien plus the space disco after thanks to Disco Sucks."

On Sunday residents of the five valleys will be invited to take part in a 60 second film challenge.

“We’re looking for creative and inventive films,” said filmmaker Jimmy Edmonds.

“Most people have the technology to make a film on their phone or tablet - it’s just a question of getting on top of the tech and then you can put your ideas on the screen.”

Filmmakers will be sent the ‘theme’ on the morning of March 11, so that those taking part won’t be able to cheat by making their film in advance.

There is even a workshop as part of the festival, ‘Film School’ is a one day course for people who want to learn shooting and editing skills.

Selected films will be shown on the big screen at the Stroud Community TV Awards at Lansdown Hall on 17th March, and then on the festival website.

Stroud’s ‘Oscats' evening is a fun awards evening of the best short films made in and around the Five Valleys.

With a focus on screening some of the outstanding local films in seven categories which have appeared on Stroud Community TV website, a not-for-profit independent channel for videos recording and celebrating the Five Valleys.

Philip Booth, from Stroud Community TV, said: "You can expect films that are inspiring, thought-provoking, tear-jerking and have more than a dash of Stroud quirkiness.

“These films will indeed reach parts that bigger movies might not - a community recorded and represented in it’s own way - expect a truly wonderful celebration of our Five Valleys,” he explained.

Full Film Festival programme stroudfilmfestival.org/

Strictly Cinema presents ‘a sci-fi disco-topia’ Malthouse, Salmon Springs, Stroud. Tickets : £15 for full evening, £6 for Disco Sucks party only.

Stroud Community TV Awards evening from 7pm Lansdown Hall, Saturday 17th March - admission free.