MOVIE enthusiasts are hoping that Worcester could one day host its own independent film festival.

Talk of a film festival is growing after Worcester City Council launched Future Worcester, a campaign to get people talking about the city’s development and growth.

Using the social networking website Facebook to stir up discussion, the council asked what entertainment, arts or leisure amenities were missing in Worcester.

The idea of an independent film festival was mooted – and movie enthusiast Simon Munn is now looking for others to help turn the idea into a reality.

Mr Munn, a Worcester-based web designer, said: “There is nothing I would like more than to see an independent cinema in Worcester.

“I often mused over developing a plan for the Northwick when it was available and even went as far as developing a basic business plan.”

Mr Munn suggested that the old Scala cinema building in Angel Street, now being used as an amusement arcade, could be the perfect premises.

He has now set up a webpage for anyone interested in organising a film festival to get in touch.

“I think the city could accommodate both an indie/ arthouse cinema and a film festival,” said Mr Munn.

“It does need public support and also support from the city council, venues and the county arts service. But with that initial support in place, it could all become a reality.”

Worcester already hosts a thriving music festival and summer arts festival. The inaugural Worcestershire Literary Festival will take place in June next year and there is currently an independent arthouse cinema event held at the Worcester Arts Workshop every fortnight, with the Splendid Cinema screening art, foreign and cult films on Friday nights.

Classic flicks are also screened at the Swan Theatre in Worcester and there are plans next year for a Marilyn Monroe season.

A spokesman for Visit Worcester, the body that oversees city tourism and culture, said: “A suggestion such as a Worcester Film Festival is exactly the type of feedback that the Future Worcester project wants to see.

“The Worcester Festival has included films as part of its programme of events regularly over the years and these have proved very popular.

“If there is demand for more of the same from the public, then this needs exploring further to see if it is viable either as part of an existing festival or a new one.”

To contact Mr Munn, visit deadendpodcasts.co.uk/ worcesterfilmfestival.

To join the Future Worcester debate, visit the Worcester page on Facebook.