A DOCUMENTARY film festival which started life as a pandemic project will step out into the real world when it is staged inside a historic city centre entertainment venue.

Essex DocFest, described as being an evening of stories, cinema, and community, will take place at Colchester Arts Centre, in Church Street, on November 3.

The event, starting at 7pm, boasts a panel of fascinating feature filmmakers who will provide advice on how to break into the industry.

Everyone from director DB Morgan and Chris Turner from the London Bus Theatre Company to music video maker Joe Allison and many more will be in attendance.

It will be led by award-winning documentary filmmaker Dr Elena Dirstaru, who started the festival virtually during the coronavirus pandemic from her living room.

Her hope is Essex DocFest can become a way for local creatives to form connections with likeminded individuals and groups and with people in the community.

She said: “During a time of isolation, it felt like we were creating a great community and supporting each other.

“We've grown a bit over the last couple of years, had the help of some wonderful volunteers and some amazing local support.

“I'm really excited about this first physical event - hopefully the first of many."

Admission to the event is by ‘pay what you can afford’ donation.

To find out more visit colchesterartscentre.com.