Vote for your star flick at international film festival

CALLING all movie buffs - an exciting programme of short films is coming to Oldham this month.

The second Sahar International Short Film Festival takes place this Saturday (23) at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph.

There will be a total of 28 international short films showcased throughout the festival of various genres. The first day will feature Iranian cinema and the rest of the international films will be shown the following week.

The festival has been organised by Mandana Ansari and her husband Martin Gleeson, from Lees.

The couple hosted the first festival last February and hope to make this an annual event.

Film maker Mandana, originally from Iran, was keen on getting short films from her country in the festival this year, as she understands some of the dilemmas that film makers go through.

She said: "Iranian filmmakers try to use the language of very arty films to express their ideas and some of those films were technically and artistically very high. They are really talented film makers.

"You can see the hope in their films as well. When I watched their films I couldn't reject them. They touched my heart.

"These film makers need to show their films and the industry needs to get to know them."

Martin, who is an engineer, said: "People will get a broader experience, what you probably won't get from Cineworld or Odeon. These movies are more challenging, they will make you think a little bit more."

The festival kicks off with Iranian short films this Saturday at the Millgate Art centre from 3-8 pm. The rest of the international films will be shown at Gallery Oldham on April 30 from 2-4pm, where there will be a competition to decide on the best films.

Tickets for either day are available on the door and cost £5 and £3 for children. More details can be found on http://saharfilmfestival.wix.com/sahar-film-festival#!home/c1sao or email sisff2016@gmail.com.