THE annual Exit 6 Film Festival is back for a sixth time and will return to the big screen again this year.

The film festival celebrates 43 short films both online and in-person with a grand finale on Saturday, September 25, which will be held in person with films being shown at the Vue cinema at Festival Place in Basingstoke.

During the festival week, which has been taking place from Sunday, all films will be available to watch on the Exit 6 website along with filmmaker Q&A’s, guest talks and Zoom networking sessions.

During the festival week, nominees for Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Performance and Best Cinematography awards will also be announced.

Mark Brennan, the director of the festival is delighted that the final of the event can be held in person, after Covid-19 forced last year’s festival to all be held online.

He said: “Moving the festival online last year meant we were able to include filmmakers and audiences from around the world, so we will always have a virtual element to the event going forward.

“While this accessibility to our programme means we can include more people than ever before, we’re thrilled we can once again show our films on the big screen where they belong.”

He said that the film festival is not just for filmmakers but for anyone who loves films.

Councillor Simon Bound, cabinet member for communities, planning and infrastructure said that he is “delighted” to welcome the return of the festival for the sixth time.

He added: “The festival will provide some much-needed entertainment and gives residents and visitors the opportunity to support filmmakers by enjoying short films from around the world, meet international filmmakers and enjoy a day and evening out with friends and family.

“The council is very proud to be supporting this great event.”

Judges at this years event include cinematographer David Rom, editor Mark Towns (Saint Maud), Screenwriter Ben Willbond (Ghosts),  Director Jennifer Sheridan (Rose: A Love Story) and actor Shelley Conn (Love Sarah).

Tickets are still available on the film festivals website www.exit6filmfestival.com.