The programme has been unveiled for the first Branchage Jersey Film Festival, taking place on the island Sept 25-28.

The festival will open at the island's Opera House with a gala screening of the multiple-festival-winning Man On Wire and close at the historic Gorey Castle with Vertigo/Film4's MySpace user-generated film Faintheart, followed by a Q&A with the film's director Vito Rocco and writer David Lemon.

UK films to receive their Jersey debut include A Complete History of My Sexual Failures, followed by a Q&A with the film's director Chris Waitt, Shane Meadows' Somers Town and Lenny Abrahamson's Cannes 2007 hit Garage.

Amongst the international hits to be screened at the festival are Female Agents (Les Femmes De L'Ombre), Elite Squad (Tropa De Elite), and Ladies (Lejdas) -- reflecting the island's French, Portuguese and Polish communities.

Documentaries being screened include Joy Division, followed by a Q&A with the film's director Grant Gee, Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg, Winstan Whitter's British skateboarding survey Rollin' Through The Ages, and Steven Sebring's Patti Smith: Dream of Life.

Artist and photographer Claude Cahun, who was once a Jersey resident, is the subject of two documentaries: Barbara Hammer's Lover Other and Lizzie Thynne's Playing A Part. After the double-bill screening, both film-makers will join in a debate.

A prize of $19,510 (£10,000) will be awarded to a local film-maker through the Islanders Film Award; the winning film will be screened at the festival. There is a Branchage Bootcamp, run by Shootmedia, to encourage young local film-makers.

The festival also aims to promote Jersey, in the Channel Islands, as a potential location for international filmmakers.

Local audiences will also vote on Jersey's favourite classic British film, from selections including The 39 Steps and Brief Encounter.

Another classic film screening is 1973 horror hit The Wicker Man, showing at Gorey Castle with a live soundtrack by The Memory Band. In another musical project, Sarah Woods will create a special film for Branchage, using Jersey Archive footage, with live music from Zan Lyons.

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

'Though only in its first year, the festival has managed to secure some fantastic films and great venues, the combination stands the festival in great stead to deliver something unique and audience pleasing,' said Branchage creative director Xanthe Hamilton.

For the full programme go to www.branchagefestival.com