The fifth Birds Eye View Film Festival(BEV) kicked off in London last night with Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins on hand to open proceedings at the British Film Institute.

The opening night showcased a selection of UK & international shorts, including Sam Taylor-Wood 's BAFTA nominated Love You More and Sundance winner August 15th by Jiang Xuan.

Gurinder Chadha, Stephen Woolley and Hayley Atwell were among those attending the launch.

The festival, a celebration of women film-makers from across the globe, will showcase over 70 films and events, including a selection of the best new work from international women film-makers. This year's special focus is on sex on screen.

Features include Courtney Hunt's Frozen River, Aida Begic's Snow and Kelly Reichardt's Wendy And Lucy.

The documentary section will showcase Franny Armstrong's The Age Of Stupid, Natalie Assouline's Brides Of Allah and Nanette Burstein's American Teen among others.

While shorts screening over the next week include Esther May Campbell's September and Sarah Baker's Studs.

Other special events include a comedy night from BEV/Warp XLast Laugh talent; a masterclass with Mary Harron, director of American Psycho , I Shot Andy Warhol and The Notorious Bettie Page ; and a bring-a-baby screening.

Screenings of features, documentaries and shorts will take place at the BFI Southbank, London's ICA and The Gate cinema in Notting Hill and Picturehouse Cinemas across the UK.

The festival runs until March 13.

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