The wheels have been set in motion to put the town's film community on the global map.
Following on from the success of Basingstoke's short film festivals, Red Carpet Screenings founder Seb Hall plans to go international.
On November 11, the independent film organisation signed a deal with the Haymarket Theatre to host an International Film Festival in April next year.
Mr Hall told the Basingstoke Observer: “From humble beginnings the seasonal film festivals have quickly grown in popularity within the UK film community.
“By widening our scope and staging an international film festival we will help secure Basingstoke's place as a new centre for independent film in the UK.”
In September, short film enthusiasts packed out Central Studio Theatre at Queen Mary's College for a showcase of material made in the town.
The sellout event festival featured Overtime2, the sequel to the Star Wars spoof which was a hit on the internet last year.
The evening also screened a teaser for a feature film made in the town. Robert Moir's A Darker Shade of Red will be premiered at a black tie event at the end of this month.
The 21-year-old from Hatch Warren said: “The staging of an international film festival here can only have a positive effect on the growth of film culture within Basingstoke, it's an exciting time.”
Still in its infancy, Mr Hall said he will be scouring the globe for unsung talent.
He said: “I will be inviting film makers from around the world to submit their films to the festival with between 15 to 20 films being screened on the night."
The evening plans to follow the format of the previous events with on-stage interviews with the writers, actors and directors.
The aim of the international film festival is to further build the town as a centre for film making.
Mr Hall said that he hopes the festival will raise the profile of the town so it can compete with larger centres such as London or Brighton.
He said: “Basingstoke had not been known for film at all, but that hasn’t been because of a lack of talent. Since we have started running the festivals, it’s become clear that there’s so much talent here.”
Further details on the line up, how to submit films and buying tickets are due to be announced soon.
For more information, visit www.redcarpetscreenings.com
