OPENING today and running until October 16 at venues all around Southampton, you will find a great mix of films and events laid on by organisers City Eye.

Everything kicked off last night when SFW:Youth Film Festival (YFF) launched its exciting programme with a free fancy dress screening of Cowboys and Aliens at Cineworld.

The YFF runs until Sunday with a fantastic collection of films made by or for young people, along with workshops and fun events for all ages.

SFW Schedule

To find out all the films and events across Southampton during the film festival, pick up a copy of today's Southern Daily Echo.

Over the weekend SFW introduces events in collaboration with Music in the City and the Bargate Gallery with Sound and Vision 2. Then, with Art Asia, there’s Raga: A Film Journey into the Soul of India, which documents the life and career of sitar master Ravi Shankar through the late 60s and early 70s.

There are two further musical treats later in the week when John Garden from Scissor Sisters is welcomed to the Turner Sims.

John will perform his own original score to The Lost World, which was made in 1925 with pioneering stop-motion animation.

The silent Nosferatu is also screened at Southampton’s Guildhall with live accompaniment from the mighty Compton pipe organ – just as it was meant to be experienced!

SFW’s World Premiere this year is Bollywood Baraat – The Movie!

In May this year 4,500 people joined Art Asia and partners City Eye and The Nuffield Theatre for Southampton’s Wedding of the Year. This is the movie of that Bollywood tale featuring footage from the live event. The first ever screening is on Thursday at Harbour Lights Cinema.

During the week there are great films from this country and overseas, amazing art on film and the chance to experience the wonders of film heritage with Your Reel History Roadshow.

Regular SFW partners Solent University and The Phoenix Film Society bring more fantastic opportunities to see and discuss the glories of cinema.

SFW’s relationship with a space and the Bargate Monument Gallery continues this year with ‘Three Films’ which features the work of artist filmmakers, including Alys Scott Hawkins, Southampton’s own award winner.

New partners, Red Hot Press, present short films on the theme of illustration and print-making and Film Nation: Shorts bring a cinematography workshop and filmmaking masterclass for 19-25 year olds as part of the competition to make films to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 11 days of film activity have been made possible with support from Screen South, Film Hampshire and Southampton City Council.

Don't forget to see dailyecho.co.uk/cinema for the latest film trailers and cinema times.