A BASINGSTOKE film festival returned for its seventh year over the weekend.

The Exit 6 Film Festival saw filmakers and film lovers spending the day at the Vue cinema in Festival Place.

A programme of 45 short films from around the world were selected to play in two screens, alongside live Q&As with attending filmmakers and guest industry speakers.

Other Basingstoke venues that supported the event included Tapas Revolution which welcomed attendees throughout the afternoon, and Dice Tower which hosted the networking and awards party in the evening.

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Awards presented on the night included best cinematography, best script, best performance, best editing and best film.

All of the awards were decided by a panel of guest industry judges that included Emmy-nominated cinematographer Benedict Spence (End of the F***ing World) and actor Shelley Conn (Bridgerton).

Visiting filmmaker Kate McCoid, who presented her short comedy film My First D***, said: “I cannot tell you how special it was to see my short film on a screen as large as those in the Vue.

“Not to mention watching the excellent calibre of short films in the selection.

“It was my first time in Basingstoke, and I cannot wait to return.”

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Simon Bound said: “It was fantastic to see Basingstoke hosting this local showcase of world-class short films and bringing filmmakers into the borough.

“The creativity on display was impressive and I am proud that the council continues to support this festival.”

Alongside the film screenings, the festival also had attractions that all the family could enjoyed, with shoppers being able to see a collection of famous movies cars parked along the top of the town, including the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters, and Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater from the Pixar animated film Cars.

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The Exit 6 Film Festival aims to celebrate the work of up-and-coming filmmakers touring the worldwide film festival circuit by sharing it with local audiences, while also serving as a fun and insightful day for young filmmakers to looking to learn more about the industry.

Supported by Love Basingstoke and creative video agency Face TV, Exit 6 looks forward to returning for its eighth year in September 2023.