The increasingly popular festival, which has actor Ray Winstone as its patron, will run from Thursday, 21 May to Monday 25 May. There will also be a fringe festival running from 10 – 29 May.
As in previous years, there promises to be plenty of glitz, glamour and celebrity appearances at various locations across Southend.
Festival Director Paul Cotgrove, who is also Managing Director of organisers The White Bus Ltd, said: “One of the key features of our festivals is that they showcase new British films, as a reminder that our indigenous film industry can produce some outstanding works. This year, two cases in point are our Gala night presentations.
“For our Opening Gala I have been delighted to select Age of Kill, a riveting, fast-paced thriller starring Martin Kemp. This will be the centrepiece of this prestigious black tie event, at which you will have the chance to walk up the red carpet alongside our many guests. And our Closing Gala will showcase Still, a powerful drama about a man whose life is spiralling out of control.
“In between these very special evenings, the main festival includes the usual mix of World Cinema, classics, documentaries, children’s films, audience favourites and more new British features. Many of the films will be introduced by the filmmakers, and there are also a number of special presentations, with speakers introducing topics as diverse as Houdini, Southend on Film, Cinemas in films and 1980s British horror films.”
For more details about the events and venues, and to book tickets, visit http://www.southendfilmfestival.com