Four Colchester filmmakers have been shortlisted for the inaugural Essex International Film Festival.
The festival, which will run from March 27 to March 30, will feature films from all over the world, including those shot in Essex.
The organisers received 120 films from around the globe, with 54 having an Essex connection.
Of these, 14 were shortlisted, including four from Colchester.
Lily Streames, founder of the Essex Film Collective and one of the festival judges, said: "I have been blown away by the quality of the films submitted.
"We have had films entered from all over Europe and America, but some of the best have been made by Essex-based talent.
"That makes me exceptionally proud of my county and the talent inside it."
Colchester resident Laura Jean Healey's film, The (Un)Holy Trinity, was among those shortlisted.
Laura Jean added: "As an Essex-born visual artist and filmmaker, I'm incredibly honoured to have my work recognised by the Essex International Film Festival team, and I am proud to participate in the inaugural festival."
Former Essex University student Marty Pritchard's film Roadside Funeral, mostly produced and filmed in Colchester, also made the cut.
Marty said: "It was a fantastic surprise seeing my debut short film ‘Roadside Funeral’ shortlisted.
"It’s a real honour to be involved and I can’t wait to connect with more filmmakers in the Essex community."
Colchester-born director Jamie Weston's film Accusatus was also selected.
He added: "I’m absolutely thrilled that Accusatus has been selected for the Essex International Film Festival.
"This film was conceived, written, shot, and edited entirely in Essex, with around 80 per cent of the cast and crew coming from the area."
Eleanor Church, another Colchester-based director, was shortlisted for her documentary Within The Water.
Eleanor said: "I feel really excited to be part of this festival.
"For me, it was a real turning point to meet and really appreciate the incredible talent and creativity we have in Colchester and Essex."
The festival is supported by Dame Helen Mirren and the Essex County Council Arts and Cultural Fund.
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