Screentest will publicly display the future of British film while providing an event at which student film-makers can gather to discuss, critique and develop techniques and ideas.  The festival is being hosted by Bristol University's Students' Union and has been organised by the University of Bristol Film-making Society.

The Festival will run from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March, after a fortnight of satellite screenings at universities around the country.  The weekend will include three days of screenings of over 50 short-films throughout Bristol for the general public and students from Bristol and other universities.

Screentest will also feature events for film-makers, including private screenings and lectures and discussions from academic and industry figures. The festival will culminate on Sunday with an awards ceremony and a screening of the winning films.

Twice Oscar-nominated actress and Bristol graduate, Emily Watson, will present the "Best Student Film" award at the ceremony.  On Sunday morning Emily will also host a Q&A session about the film industry in the Victoria Rooms.

Edward Moline, Screentest Co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted to be hosting the Festival, especially as it's the first time such an event has taken place in the UK.

"We hope the Festival will be a great success and be the first of many. Our core aim has been to make the event open to all and everyone is welcome to attend.

"With Emily Watson and a scout from the National Film and Television school attending, the Festival is an essential event for aspiring film-makers or people with an interest in films not to miss."

The Festival has been generously supported by the University's Alumni Foundation, Bristol Odeon and The Independent.