A full programme for a women's film festival has been announced as Darlington Hippodrome gears up for its fifth edition.

The Women X festival, set to take place both in person and online from September 20 to 22, will feature more than 70 short films across 10 strands.

These will include a variety of genres such as comedy, horror, experimental, and documentary, with a special showcase of Northern talent.

The films will celebrate the achievements of emerging and established talent from women and non-binary directors, writers, and producers.

(Image: Women X)

The festival will also host a series of industry events, roundtables, and workshops focusing on development, networking, and navigating different career pathways in film.

Other live events include the conclusion of the Rianne Pictures Script Writing Competition 2024, Writers Lab sessions hosted by the development team, creative film craft sessions, and the return of the 2000’s inspired film quiz.

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Some of the highlights of the film programme include 'Does that make me a woman?' directed by Bec Evans, which stars Mia McKenna-Bruce and unravels the contradictions of modern womanhood through the form of a poem.

'Opening Up,' written by Lorna Riley, focuses on reluctant dater Jas, played by Tamzin Outhwaite, who hadn't meant to kiss Adam, played by Gary Beadle, but she couldn't help herself.

(Image: Women X)

'Fierce-ish Grace,' directed by Amaya Owen Rowlands, follows Grace, portrayed by Bukky Bakray, as she steps into her pay review and prepares to unleash a version of herself that only her bathroom mirror has ever seen.

The festival will also include a special feature presentation in the Hullabaloo Theatre on the first day of the festival, which will be announced in the coming days.

This year, Women X will launch its first Youth Jury, where film enthusiasts in the North East can gain valuable experience in the film festival world and honour the filmmakers with the Youth Jury Prize.

More information can be found at: www.riannepictures.com/womenx