The island of Jersey, a British Crown dependency between England and France, will host the first Branchage Jersey International Film Festival from Sept 25-28.

The festival describes itself as 'boutique,' to show the 'best new independent British and international films.' Branchage plans to reflect the local communities by showing Eastern European and Latin American films as well.

Local landmarks including Gorey Castle, Jersey War Tunnels, Town Hall Chambers, and the Old Magistrates Court will be transformed into unique cinema and music venues. Also, Jersey Opera House will host a screening, with orchestra, of Suzie Templeton's Oscar winner Peter & The Wolf.

The festival takes its name from the Visite du Branchage, a local custom for residents to keep their hedges and gardens tidy.

The festival is backed by PLAY.com, Jersey Trust, Spearpoint Limited, Jersey Tourism, Jersey Arts Trust, Jersey Heritage and the local film and finance industries.

Branchage will also tout Jersey's appeal as a location for international shoots. There will also be an educational workshop and a Channel Islands film competition.

'Most of us behind this are London-based Jersey folk, and we are all really excited about importing mind-blowing cinema that seldom reaches our shores,' said Branchage creative director Xanthe Hamilton, herself a film-maker. 'Filmmaking is a very infectious bug, which I've certainly caught, and I'm desperate to spread around. The programme will appeal to all age groups and will include films for our Portuguese and Polish community.'

More information can be found at www.branchagefestival.com.

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