FOOTBALL fans and anti-racism campaigners have united to bring Sunderland its first film festival.

The event has been organised by members of Sunderland Fans against Racism SFAR and the Unity organisation, along with Wearside film makers and local movie critics.

North-East film producers will start work in September in four Sunderland schools and the resulting short films will get their debut screenings at the festival,which will feature classics such as Kes.

Organiser Mark Metcalf said: "To date, things couldn't have gone much better than they have.

"We have lots of people involved and more offering to help at the events themselves.

"We are due to start work in four local schools in the Autumn and the work produced will be shown at the festival.

"We have already had confirmation from a number of people working in TV and the film industry that they can appear and answer questions about their work. We are still talking to others to try andpersuade them to participate."

The event, taking place in November, will also feature a series of workshops and talks by people working in the TV and film industry. The highlight will be a talk by Gary Horne, director and producer documentary programmes including 'Sweet FA' about corruption within football.

Other topics will include advice on raising funds to produce a film, scriptwriting and racism in film and TV.