ST Albans will play host to a pre-release screening of an upcoming feature film starring Keith Allen this year, to mark the start of the much-anticipated film festival.

The city’s first movie festival is to be held from March 8-10 and promises to bring excitement and fun as well as “celebrities from the world of film, art and music milling around the town”.

Film festival director Leoni Kibbey said she was thrilled that Vinyl, which is directed by Sara Sugarman, will open the festival.

She said: “Sara Sugarman is a great director and it is fitting that our opening feature film is directed by a woman as it will be screened on March 8, which is International Woman’s Day.

“I am really delighted to say that Sara will be here at the festival along with some of the stars of this very funny and touching feel-good film.”

The upcoming event promises to have a “great festival vibe” as Leoni explained: “The Oscars will have just happened but St Albans will carry that Oscars excitement on through this very special weekend.”

A full event programme will be announced shortly and on top of films, festival-goers can expect events, talks and workshops for all ages.

Children will be encouraged to get dressed up in film-themed fancy dress, there will be film pub quizzes, and interactive events where people will have a chance to get on camera or try things out behind the scenes.

The closing date for the film festival competition entries was Monday and a whopping 300 films were entered, with submissions coming in from as far as Australia, America and Singapore.

Leoni was overwhelmed not only by the number of films she has received but also by the quality.

She said: “I had tears streaming down my face watching some of the documentaries, but some of the other films have been incredibly funny, the children’s films wonderfully creative and other films gripping.

“There is a lot of talent out there and I can’t wait to share these films with visitors to the festival in March.”

The festival organisers are on the lookout for “Festival Makers” who will wear bowler hats inspired by film director Stanley Kubrick and help the film festival get off to a brilliant start.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the film festival is invited to attend a volunteer open day in St Albans on Sunday, January 27, details of which will be announced at www.stalbansfilmfestival.com