THE New Forest Film Festival launches today at Brockenhurst College with a gala screening of the classic silent film, Beggars of Life, with live music provided by The Dodge Brothers and the acclaimed silent film pianist, Neil Brand.

The power for both the projector and the band's amplification will be provided by bicycle, with Magnificent Revolution providing the technology that will enable the audience to take a turn at powering the show with their own legs.The New Forest Film Festival is being run by local film-makers, Simon Miller and Joanne Cockwell, film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode and film academics, Linda Ruth Williams and Michael Hammond.Tickets, which include popcorn and a drink, can be purchased at newforestfestival.com.