AN international film festival is returning featuring a variety of award-winning talent.
Brighton Rocks kicks off later this month, with the city's most famous director Ben Wheatley already signed on.
Ben rose to fame following his debut film, Down Terrace (2009), which was shot in just eight days almost entirely in a Brighton home.
The indie movie kickstarted his career and he went on to direct several box office hits including Kill List, Sightseers, High Rise and Rebecca.
Festival-goers will get the chance to hear about Ben's career when he is joined on stage by cinematographer Laurie Rose and actor/director Gareth Tunley.
Festival director Dr James Rowlins was “delighted” when Ben agreed to take part in the festival.
He said: "Every filmmaker wants to replicate Ben's success - and this is the chance to ask him about his impressive career and for advice on how to get your films made and seen.”
Ben Wheatley is due to take to the stage at the Rialto theatre in Dyke Road, Brighton, on Saturday at 5pm.
Another big name to join the festival programme is Lewes-based screenwriter William Nicolson, whose credits include box-office hits Gladiator (2000) and Les Misérables (2012).
This year’s event, with screenings and events at the Rialto Theatre and Fabrica, is the biggest Brighton Rocks yet, thanks to support from the British Film Institute.
Dr Rowlins added: “It’s fantastic to get big, official recognition, although our heart lies with ‘kitchen sink’ indie cinema.
"Brighton Rocks aims to celebrate the city's famed free spirit, showing films outside of the mainstream.
“We are obviously very keen to support local filmmakers and in fact more than half of the projects being shown have a local connection."
The festival, now in its fifth year, runs from Friday to Sunday. Friday’s screenings at the Rialto are entirely “Made in Brighton”.
Saturday sees more than 12 hours of films of all genres, blending drama with comedy and experimental cinema.
This includes Angeli Moderni – a "stunning projection" by local artist Mark Nelson.
Documentary series DIY Country looks at the conflict in Ukraine, with unseen footage of the leaders of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic.
For the Love of Noise, by Alan Cross, gives a glimpse into Brighton’s world of experimental music and Still Stoked is the tale of an ageing skateboarder.
Tickets and further screening information can be found at www.rocksfestivals.com/screenings
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