Romford Film Festival’s second annual event proved to be a hit at Premiere Cinema with a sell out awards ceremony on Monday.

Romford Recorder: The Romford Film Festival was a five day event at The Premiere Cinema at The Mercury, for independent film makers to showcase their work to a cinema audience. The Mercury Mall.The Romford Film Festival was a five day event at The Premiere Cinema at The Mercury, for independent film makers to showcase their work to a cinema audience. The Mercury Mall. (Image: Archant)

Around 3,500 people turned up throughout the five day festival over the Bank Holiday weekend to view more than 120 independently made films.

The Rommy Awards ceremony concluded the competitions run with a black-tie evening to celebrate the 70 full length features and 50 shorts produced.

Festival programmer, Spencer Hawken, said: “This year was an exercise in delivering the very best the whole world had to offer, movies from 25 countries, 15 world premieres and some of the best actors independent cinemas has to offer.”

Mayor of Havering, Councillor Linda van den Hende, and other council members made special appearances to present this year’s awards.

Romford Recorder: The Romford Film Festival was a five day event at The Premiere Cinema at The Mercury, for independent film makers to showcase their work to a cinema audienceThe Romford Film Festival was a five day event at The Premiere Cinema at The Mercury, for independent film makers to showcase their work to a cinema audience (Image: Archant)

Festival Director and Havering resident, Joseph Sultana said: “It was a really good turn out despite several traffic restraints over the weekend.”

Winners included residents from the borough and entrants from countries as far as France, Russia, Nepal and USA fighting it out for the titles.

Other stand out submissions included comedy short Mumatar which won Best Havering Film Award and the popular American silent short film, 88 Cents.

Several Q&A sessions were held including rising British director, Coz Greenop and lifetime achievement awards were given to Tony Klinger and Simon Rumley.

Romford Recorder: The new Mayor of Havering, Councillor Dilip Patel attended the Romford Film Festival as his first public event. Photo: The Mercury Mall.The new Mayor of Havering, Councillor Dilip Patel attended the Romford Film Festival as his first public event. Photo: The Mercury Mall. (Image: Archant)

Joseph added: “It has been a really good chance for people to do networking with directors, producers providing opportunities for indie filmmakers and increasing the number of films being made.

Mr Sultana also thanked staff at Mercury Hall for their assistance in operating the event, saying: “We cannot do it without there team, their organisation skills have been really appreciated.”

Plans for Romford to have its very own independent film studio are currently being developed by Mr Sultana following the festivals increasing success.

Mr Sultana is welcoming any sponsorships to support next years Romford Film Festival taking place again at Premiere Cinema from May 22 to May 27 2019.

Filmmakers can start submitting from Friday, June 1 at Filmfreeway.com, Havering residents will receive a free application using the website’s discount code.