A new film festival for young people premieres next month at a series of venues across east Suffolk.

The Aldeburgh Cinema Trust is organising the Aldeburgh and Suffolk Coastal Young People’s Film Festival as part of an ongoing project to develop the provision of high quality film and creative activities for children, young people and families.

Aldeburgh Cinema’s general manager, Thomas Gerstenmeyer said: “We are keen to get everyone involved in the inspirational and creative world of film and are proud to work with local schools and venues to create an interesting programme for children and young people of all ages to enjoy.

“The support has been overwhelming and we are thrilled that Hollywood star actor, Tom Hiddleston and Suffolk’s own Oscar-winning filmmaker, Mat Kirkby are the festival’s patrons.”

Mr Kirkby said: “The festival is a great chance for kids and adults alike to have fun, take part in events and be inspired by all the great movies being screened here.”

The festival takes place between February 5 and February 19 at venues including Leiston Film Theatre, Riverside Woodbridge, The Cut, Halesworth, Ipswich Film Theatre, Orford Town Hall, Lowestoft Library and in Aldeburgh Cinema’s main auditorium as well as a specially created pop-up studio space.

All ages are catered for from three years upwards with a programme specially designed to be entertaining, fun and inspirational.

Local schools are invited to get involved by entering a short film competition themed An Iconic Story Retold in Five Minutes, and special film screenings designed to enhance the schools’ curriculum have been arranged for pupils of Farlingaye High, Suffolk New College, Suffolk One College and Summerhill School.

Programme highlights include Windstorm, Antboy: Revenge of the Red Fury; Landfillharmonic; Speed Sisters; The Big Knights; and the best of the East Anglian Student Film Festival.