The Isle of Man Arts Council is pleased to announce that the fifth Isle of Man Film Festival will take place from Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd September. This year’s festival will once again include the popular outdoor cinema event ‘Under the Stars’, a showcase evening of short films, competition for the title of Young FilmMaker of Mann and the open competition for Short Films. The Festival has been gaining in popularity since its introduction in 2007. Under the Stars outdoor cinema in the grounds of the Nunnery Estate featuring a 40 foot screen returns for 2011; this year’s films are the family favourite ‘E.T.’ (U) on Friday 2nd September and, in anticipation of a sequel due for release later this year, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (12) starring Robert Downey Jnr on Saturday 3rd September. As with previous years, the audience is invited to arrive early and bring a picnic. The 2011 Festival starts on Thursday 1st with an evening featuring short films from leading short film label Future Shorts at the Broadway Cinema. As well as the most recent films from Future Shorts’ programme there will be some local film making talent on show with updates on the Mannin Shorts film making project. Saturday 3rd will feature the showcase for The Young FilmMaker of Mann and Short Film competitions at the Manx Museum. The Young FilmMaker of Mann, a competition for under 23 year olds, has been running for eight years and has been won by film makers as young as 12 years old. The open competition for Short Films, which is in its fourth year, has attracted some incredibly exciting entries and demonstrates the wealth of film making talent on the Island. Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure said: “We are happy to announce the Arts Council’s Film Festival for 2011. As usual there is a varied programme with something for everyone and Under the Stars will as ever, provide a unique opportunity for avid movie fans, not even the rain kept them away last year! Most importantly the festival continues to include films made by young, local film makers and gives them the opportunity to see their own films on the big screen.” Full timetable of events is as follows: Thursday 1st September Short Film Showcase from Future Shorts Starts 7.30pm Broadway Cinema, Douglas Tickets ?6.50 Concessions ?5 from the Welcome Centre or the Ticket Hotline Tel: 600555. Friday 2nd September Under the Stars – ‘E.T.’ (Cert U) Nunnery Estate. Gates Open 7pm film starts at 8pm light permitting. Tickets ?8 and ?6 concessions from the Welcome Centre or the Ticket Hotline Tel: 600555 Under 13 years must be accompanied by an adult. Saturday 3rd September Young Film Maker of Mann and Short Film competition Showcase and Presentations. Starts 3pm Manx Museum, Douglas. Free entry Saturday 3rd September Under the Stars - ‘Sherlock Holmes’ (Cert 12) Nunnery Estate. Gates open 7.30pm film starts 8.30pm light permitting. Tickets ?8 and ?6 concessions from the Welcome Centre or the ticket hotline Tel: 600555 Tickets for Under the Stars must be bought in advance; ticket sales will not be possible on the night. Further information about Film Festival events, or entry forms for either film competition, can be obtained from the Arts Council on 694598 or at www.iomarts.com. -Ends-