LAST Thursday night saw the official launch of this year's Mid Ulster Film Festival which runs at An Creagán Visitor Centre over the bank holiday weekend of May 2-4.

Guests at last week's launch in Chez Manu's in Omagh got a chance to sample the hospitality on offer, meet with organisers and browse over this year's programme which is currently available at outlets throughout the region.

This year the festival once again boasts an eclectic programme, ranging from socially conscious documentaries, such as 'Woman' and 'The Journey', to the colourful comedy of 'Un Hombre Tranquilo' (A Quiet Man), to the beautifully created animation of 'Charred and Feathered'. Mix this with over 50 short films, foreign-language films, workshops and seminars and you have a superb weekend celebration of film.

Pitching Power

This year's Mid Ulster Film Festival delves into new territory with the hosting of a pitching session on the Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm that helps filmmakers in their creative field.

If you have an idea for a fiction feature /short or pilot TV series, why not pitch this to the panel of judges from the film/TV industry.

You can download an entry form from the website which must be returned by email by May 3 at 5pm or handed over in person at An Creagán by May 4 at 11am.

The winner will receive Final Draft Software, £500 (sponsored by The Ulster Herald and Ballytherm), and a meeting with one of the development executives from Northern Ireland Screen.

This event is open to everyone with a unique idea subject to places available. Individuals of the age of 17 years and over may enter. No entry fee.

workshops

A new workshop to the festival this year is 'Filmmaking for Beginners'. This came about as a result of continuous requests from adults to provide them with a short, fun workshop in which one would learn all the basics of how to produce a film.

Expert, filmmaker, Stephen Mullan will guide participants through the process of devising, producing, filming and editing a short drama. The workshops will run over two weekends, (April 26-27 and May 3-4) and will culminate in the film being premiered on the final night of the Mid Ulster Film Festival, as a support to the closing film.

Why not check out the website for more information on all details about the festival.

* www.midulsterfilmfestival.com