The art of filmmaking is set to be celebrated at a Norwich festival that is now in its seventh year.

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Palin is taking part in an event at the 2017 Norwich Film Festival. Photo: John SwannellMichael Palin is taking part in an event at the 2017 Norwich Film Festival. Photo: John Swannell (Image: John Swannell)

The Norwich Film Festival is back from November 9 to 19 with its biggest line-up yet which kicks off with an In Conversation event with actor, presenter and globetrotter Michael Palin followed by a screening of the 1984 British film A Private Function at Open.

Audiences will also be treated to an array of short film screenings throughout the festival which this year became a Qualifying Short Film Festival for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), an accolade which it shares with the likes of the high profile Cannes and Venice film festivals.

'It is fantastic because it shows how the festival is getting more and more recognised and it goes back to the quality of the films being screened,' said NFF co-director Craig Higgins.

'This year we are screening 95 shorts and five feature films. This is our most ambitious festival by a long shot.'

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Film Festival 2017. Catherine directed by Brit Raes, Image: supplied by Norwich Film FestivalNorwich Film Festival 2017. Catherine directed by Brit Raes, Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival (Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival)

He added: 'What we have is a really diverse mix of short films and features, a real opportunity for filmmakers and film-lovers to explore something new, something they may otherwise not have the opportunity to see.'

Many of the short film screenings are grouped around themes including women directors, short films for all the family, East Anglian short films, global shorts, documentaries, and short films selected for this year's BAFTA awards.

Alongside A Private Function, the other four feature films in the festival include Double Date, The Warrior, Butterfly Kisses and Brakes, and there are also industry events putting a spotlight on everything from writing for the screen to directing to publicity.

Kellen Playford, NNF co-director and founder, said he was delighted with the 2017 line-up and how the festival has grown since it began in 2009.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Film Festival 2017. Brakes directed by Mercedes Grower. Image: supplied by Norwich Film FestivalNorwich Film Festival 2017. Brakes directed by Mercedes Grower. Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival (Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival)

'We are helping to put Norwich on the map which we are really proud about,' he said.

'It's not just about watching films, it is about learning about the art of filmmaking and the industry...We are giving filmmakers and film-lovers a network to learn from each other and hopefully we are helping the British film industry in a small way.'

For more about Norwich Film Festival including the full festival line-up, visit www.norwichfilmfestival.co.ukPeople can also find out more about being an NFF volunteer at an event at 5.30pm on October 5 at the Forum in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Film Festival 2017. Black Road directed by Tim Fywell. Image: supplied by Norwich Film FestivalNorwich Film Festival 2017. Black Road directed by Tim Fywell. Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival (Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Film Festival 2017. Edith directed by Christian Cooke. Image: supplied by Norwich Film FestivalNorwich Film Festival 2017. Edith directed by Christian Cooke. Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival (Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival)

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Film Festival 2017. Sweet Maddie Stone directed by Brady Hood. Image: supplied by Norwich Film FestivalNorwich Film Festival 2017. Sweet Maddie Stone directed by Brady Hood. Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival (Image: supplied by Norwich Film Festival)