IT might not look like much from the outside.

But step into Chichester’s modest New Park Cinema in August and you’ll come across one of the most respected and diverse film events in the UK.

The Chichester International Film Festival is celebrating its 26th year with a line-up including UK exclusives, independent movies and archive classics.

Alongside mainstream hits like Dunkirk and Hampstead and retrospectives on Tilda Swinton and David Lynch, the cinema is showing 20 premieres.

The festival’s artistic director Roger Gibson founded the cinema in 1979 and is responsible for sourcing films for the three-week programme.

Every year he travels to Cannes Film Festival among other prestigious events to view new movies and negotiate with distributors.

Earlier this year he was announced as one of four “jury members” at Cannes with the task of selecting a European winner of The Label award.

And the director’s involvement with the French festival has paid dividends with New Park one of only two cinemas in the UK to screen the 2017 Cannes Palme d’Or award winner The Square before its general release next year.

The movie which stars Dominic West is a darkly comedic send-up of the art world and is showing in Chichester next Monday and Tuesday.

Previous winners of the Palme d’Or include I, Daniel Blake and Pulp Fiction.

Mr Gibson said getting The Square in Chichester was a real coup and predicted it will be well received by an audience who like to “take a risk”.

He added: “We always like to challenge people and most people respond to that well. These are the kind of films you’ll never see again.”

A regular feature of the festival is the low-budget independent programme of films, which Roger has had to whittle down after receiving 600 submissions last year.

“It was barmy and we couldn’t deal with it,” he said. “This year we charged for submissions and reduced the number considerably – but the serious people are still submitting.”

Roger also voiced concern about the impact of the EU referendum on the festival. New Park currently receive financial support from the Europa Cinemas group, but Brexit would put an end to that.

He said: “That [funding] would stop, obviously.”

  • Chichester International Film Festival runs until August 27.

FOUR TO ENJOY AT THE FESTIVAL

That Good Night Thursday, August 24

Part of the festival’s tribute to the late John Hurt, this drama sees the great actor take on the role of Ralph, a terminally ill, once famous writer who desires to be reconciled with his estranged son Michael. A good chance to enjoy the work of a master of British cinema.

Nocturama Friday, August 18

This thriller has caused controversy for its subject matter. French director Bertrand Bonello presents a provocative response to terrorism in the modern age as he imagines Paris in a state of apocalypse. It won’t be an easy watch but it’s undoubtedly topical.

The Death of Louis XIV Tuesday, August 22 and Wednesday, August 23

A stylishly-shot exploration of the last days of the so-called Sun King. The film shows the distance between the ageing, decaying physical body of Louis XIV and his God-like power and status. Jean Pierre Leaud gives a masterful performance.

Blood and Glory Saturday, August 26

This powerful South African film is set in the Boer War and revolves around a young man who leaves his family to fight against the British Empire. After returning home to find his home destroyed and family gone, he embarks on a journey of discovery – and revenge.