A BRADFORD filmmaker is putting the final preparations to the city’s newest film festival, with plans already underway for next year’s event.

From Monday, many of Bradford’s bars and pubs will be transformed into mini-cinemas as part of the inaugural Drunken Film Festival.

US-born filmmaker Jax Griffin has put together the festival, which will see more than 120 short films from filmmakers around the world screened in a variety of different venues over the week, as well as discussions, live music, and opportunities to meet filmmakers.

So far buzz for the festival has been promising, and plans are already in the pipeline for the festival to return next year.

The first night will see several “home brewed” films by local directors screened in Bradford Brewery from 6pm. Some films are as short as two minutes, while others run to almost an hour and a half.

Other venues taking part over the week include the Record Cafe, the Library Bar in Glyde House, Delius Bar, and Theatre in the Mill at the University of Bradford, while film discussions will be held at the Brew Haus and Forks Cafe.

Mrs Griffin decided to create a new festival after it was announced the International Film Festival would not be returning to the city this year.

Directors from Mexico, Slovenia and Iran are among those whose films were chosen and movies by award-winning animator Bill Plympton and filmmaker Deborah Kampmeier will also be screened.

The oldest filmmaker is 84-year-old Pieter Van Duessen, from Farnhill, near Keighley, whose first film Netherby Naps will be premiered on Monday night.

Making the final preparations, Mrs Griffin said: “It is running pretty smooth so far.

“We’re just doing the equipment tests and Bradford Brewery has just bottled the beers.

“There will be a bunch of local filmmakers coming, and we’ve got one coming from Qatar on Tuesday.

“Judging by the response on social media we’re hoping to get quite good numbers to the events. I’m estimating about 50 people at each showing. The screenings are going to be fun and in a relaxed atmosphere.

“I’m already planning for next year’s festival.”

The festival, sponsored by Bradford City of Film, runs until next Saturday, when there will be a wrap party at Trash Nightclub. For the full line up, visit drunkenfilmfest.com