Italian Organisers have announced plans for a new film festival to be held in Caserta at the Royal Palace Vanvitelliana and Royal Site Belvedere of St Leucio.

Francesco De Lorenzo of Darkness Production has started the Drake International Film Festival, which will run June 23-30, with 'the aim of promoting the diffusion of digital and independent cinema.'

The festival will also run an Italian Film Market for buyers and sellers.

The DIFF will present 12 films in its main competition, either world premieres or international premieres. Other sections will include six international films and a competition of six films by first-time or second-time directors.

The theme for the inaugural year is 'a new cinema for a new audience'.

Backers of the event include the Campania Regional Body, District of Caserta, Municipality of Caserta, Chamber of Commerce of Caserta, and the District Tourism Body.

The media partners will include Ciak, Rai Sat Cinema World, Rai Sat Premium, Rai Sat Extra, Planet, Radio Monte Carlo, Play Radio e Rosso Alice.

Caserta is the capital of the province of Caserta in the Campania region, near Naples.