Italian link sought in Bognor's film festival

He hopes to foster links between the End of the Pier festival in April and May in 2008 and the Concorto Film Festival near Milan. He is about to adjudicate at the event in Italy. 'I am very privileged to be invited to judge the Italian equivalent to the End of the Pier. We hope the exchange will be reciprocated with the Italians coming over to Bognor next April,' he explained.

He said the links between the occasions was a large step forward in the development of a network of independent film festivals around the European Union.

'The idea is to exchange film content and learn from each other's culture and how each country runs their own festival,' stated Bryan. But the initial plans for the 2008 festival will also embrace Bognor's influence on the big screen. Locally made films about Bognor or made in the town are likely to be shown. Among the material set to be featured is output from Bognor Film Productions and other local film makers.

This is part of Bryan's intentions of exciting more interest from Bognor and Chichester residents for the festival.

A total of 10,000 leaflets were recently distributed advertising the 2008 occasion. A further 25,000 leaflets will go out across the county in January. As well as the Observer, support from local businesses is set to be given by Butlins, ITV Local, the Regis Centre, Dragonfly Print and Design and The Waverley pub.

Activities will be going on each day of the festival between April 25 and May 3. Morning and afternoon themed workshops will reflect the evening screenings.

Bryan said: 'Each night will be a '˜party' night, with an early reception before each screening. The daytime workshops will be open to local schools, subject to spaces available.'

As the festival grows, so will its impact on the local economy. 'Already plans are being made to host a film industry trade show in the area to run alongside the festival,' he added. 'Trade support will change the shape of the event and make it truly world class.'

The End of the Pier event has greatly expanded since its start four years ago. This year's attracted renowned director Ken Russell to a screening of his 70s classic Tommy, which featured residents of Ashley House in Bognor. Submissions to the 2008 festival can be made through the www.eotpfilmfestival.com website.