FAMILY favourite E.T. will be one of two blockbusters to be screened Under The Stars as part of the Isle of Man Film Festival.

The festival runs from Thursday, September 1 to Saturday, September 3 and it has been gaining popularity since its introduction in 2007.

A 40 foot screen will be in place at the Nunnery Estate in Douglas for the Under The Stars event.

E.T. (U) will be shown on the screen on September 2 and Sherlock Holmes (12) - starring Robert Downey Jnr - will be screened on September 3.

The audience is invited to arrive early and take a picnic.

The film festival starts on September 1 with an evening featuring short films from leading short film label Future Shorts at the Broadway Cinema, Douglas.

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.

On September 3 there will be a 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 filmmakers as young as 12 years old.

The open competition for short films, which is in its fourth year, has attracted some exciting entries.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister David Cretney MHK 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."

For more information ring the Arts Council on 694598 and for tickets ring 600555.

Under the Stars tickets must be bought in advance.