Ealing has a proud tradition in cinema, being the home to Ealing Studios, the oldest working studio facility in the world.

The Studios are responsible for hugely successful films such as The Theory of Everything and The Darkest Hour, along with hit TV shows such as Downtown Abbey and The Crown.

Now Ealing has its very own Film Festival, which has been set up by three local residents who are passionate about film and wanted to support the industry during this difficult year.

The festival is now accepting entries for a variety of categories, from drama and documentary, to sci-fi and horror, along with comedy and animation.

One of the organisers, Annemarie Flanagan said: "We were planning our festival back in March and then the lockdown happened.

"Our first thought was to put everything on hold, until the crisis passed.

"Then we realised this was an opportunity to create a safe, online event that would encourage filmmakers to stay active during the pandemic.

"We want to raise people's spirits and shine a spotlight on new talent."

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This sentiment is echoed by fellow organiser Alan Granley who said: "We have a duty to show films for all the people trapped in the pandemic that has taken over the world.

"This year we are online, but next year the festival will hopefully be in person. The sky's the limit."

Entries have been coming in from far and wide, from every corner of the globe.

Peter Gould, another of the organisers said: "Our festival is really getting noticed.

"We've had submissions from around the world… France, Germany, India, Ireland, Japan, Thailand, the US and from Ealing!

"We really want local filmmakers to get involved.

"This festival is a platform for new talent, at a time when so many people in the film industry are struggling."

Local MPs, both past and present were among the first to give their backing.

Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton is planning to screen the winning films at the House of Commons.

"I know 2020 has been a grim year, but this is really something to look forward to," she said.

This is echoed by fellow Labour MP, James Murray, from Ealing North who said: "The creative sector was among the first to be hit and will be one of the last to get back on its feet, so I'm delighted to support this."

His predecessor, Stephen Pound who is a lifelong supporter of the arts was thrilled to hear about the Festival in his home town.

He said: "Some people talk about Hollywood, some people talk about Bollywood.

"But the real celluloid capital of the world is Ealing. We have Ealing Studios.

"This is the home of cinema. But we don't just have a glorious past, we have a wonderful future with Ealing Film Festival. Join us!"

Filmmakers have until December 2 to submit and winners are expected to be announced at the end of the year.