Spokeswoman Caroline Bennett said: "The programme comprises award-winning films including titles from UK, Poland, Japan, Austria, USA and Italy.

"The festival kicks off on Monday, July 26 with a screening of Bright Star, directed by Jane Campion (dir The Piano) and starring Ben Whishaw and Abbie Cornish. The drama is based on the three-year romance between 19th century poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne, which was cut short by Keats' untimely death at age 25. Bright Star starts the festival with a poignant and charming cinematic experience.

"Winner of the Palm d'Or at Cannes 2009, The White Ribbon will be screened on Thursday, July 29. The latest film from the director of Caché surveys the life of a rural Protestant village in northern Germany over several months from 1913 to 1914. This award-winning film is gripping, exciting and focussed cinema which quickly transforms from a simple depiction of country rural life in 1913 into a sadistic whodunit thriller.

"Other screenings during the week include Tricks directed by Polish director Andrzej Jakimowski, Still Walking, the classic courtroom drama Inherit the Wind starring Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly and the charming Italian film - Mid-August Lunch.

"Audiences will also be able to sample some fantastic French cinema in the lead-up to The Electric Theatre's French Film Festival in September with the crime thriller A Prophet. A Prophet has had the film industry in raptures this year and impresses on every level. The biggest revelation is newcomer Tahar Rahim, an exceptional young actor who asserts a raw, mesmeric intensity from the very first frame."

More details on 01483 444789 or online at www.electrictheatre.co.uk.