St Albans Film Festival has announced London Luton Airport as its main sponsor.

The event, which takes the theme of Birds and Flight this year, will be held from May 1 to 4 across the city.

Festival director Leoni Kibbey said: “We’ve had a tremendous response from film makers this year, with over 300 entries from across the globe already received in the short film competition.

“Given the Birds & Flight theme, it makes perfect sense to be putting on the Festival in association with London Luton Airport, which has been an important landmark in the local area for over 75 years and has been integral in the lives of many local people, both as employer and a gateway to the sun.”

Chika Austin, community relations executive for London Luton Airport, said: “We know a thing or two about flying here at the Airport so we are delighted to be involved in this year’s Film Festival.

“This unique event, which brings together people from all over the world in celebration of culture and community engagement, is something that we strongly support.

“What’s more, the Festival promotes inward investment in the region and resonates with our own Community Engagement Strategy. It’s really great to see such inspiring projects being brought to the area for local young people get involved in.”

The festival will be supported again by its first patron, Christiane Kubrick, wife of the late Stanley Kubrick, who lived and filmed much of his work in the area.

A full programme of events, including the opening film to be screened at St Albans Cathedral, will be announced shortly.

To purchase tickets for this year’s festival visit http://www.stalbansfilmfestival.com/