Kingston upon Thames will be hosting its first ever international film festival next year.

The event boasts Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and Harry Potter director Mike Newell as its patrons.

It will take place from June 24 to June 26 in 2022 and is co-hosted by the Rose Theatre and Blue Elephant films.

A preview event for the festival will take place at the Rose Theatre next month, on October 17, in the Main Auditorium.

Audiences will be treated to a night of award-winning short films and then a Q&A with the festival committee and filmmakers.

Tickets for the event, 'An Evening of Shorts,' cost £5 and went on sale today.

Click here to book

What is the Kingston International Film Festival?

The 3-day event has been founded and co-directed by David Cunningham of independent film production company Blue Elephant Films.

David, an actor who has starred in plays on the West End, is joined by Rose Theatre director Christopher Haydon in leading the festival.

Star Trek: The Next Generation actress Marina Sirtis is a festival ambassador and tweeted her excitement at being involved in the event.

"So excited to be involved in the Kingston International Film Festival," she wrote.

The event's poster also reveals it is being supported by Kingston Council, Kingston First and Kingston Heritage Service.