Pembrokeshire is to help host the world’s biggest youth film festival when it returns to Wales this year in November.

With almost 45,000 free cinema tickets up for grabs, primary and secondary school students throughout Wales are due to enjoy a whole host of films – from blockbusters to classics.

This UK-wide Into Film Festival is hosting 184 screenings, and will be visiting 42 venues the length and breadth of Wales, including: Torch Theatre in Milford Haven, which is showing ‘Revolting Rhymes’ and ‘Sherlock Gnomes’ (Autism Friendly); Folly Farm in Kilgetty, which is showing ‘The Eagle Huntress’; and Theatr Gwaun, in Fishguard, which is showing ‘Leave No Trace’ and ‘The House with a Clock in its Walls’.

Bookings are open for what is now the sixth Into Film Festival 2018 and can be taken up by schools, colleges, youth leaders and home educators.

The Into Film Cymru team is encouraging teachers in the local area to book their tickets now so they don’t miss out.

Speaking about the Festival, Non Stevens, Head of Into Film Cymru said: “We have a proven track record in helping teachers deliver staggering educational breakthroughs through film.

“Our festival offers an opportunity for teachers, lecturers, home schoolers across Wales to see the value of our work and to see the way film can breathe life into everyday learning.

“Last year, across the UK, we welcomed nearly half a million primary and secondary school students to the festival – 24,000 in Wales alone. We’re delighted to have pulled together such a wide-ranging bilingual programme for what is now a highly anticipated festival.”

Hosted by film education charity, Into Film, the Festival is supported by Cinema First and the BFI through National Lottery funding, and engages with over half of UK schools.

The Festival is free to all students, supporting education through a carefully curated programme of films and events for schools with topical themes, resources, debates, special events and careers activity. All tickets must be booked by educators:? https://www.intofilm.org/festival?

Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, is a big supporter of the Film Festival: “Film is a great leveller, and can lead to an exciting avenue of exploration for all students, regardless of background and ability,” he said.

“What’s great about Into Film Cymru – and the film festival, which is completely free – is that you are opening up a world of possibilities for all, regardless of how much money they have in their pocket. Film should be accessible to all and I, for one, want to champion its power.”

The Festival opens across the UK on November 7 with simultaneous pupil premieres of?Illumination’s?The Grinch.

There will also be bespoke events in partnership with the Epilepsy Association and Oxfam Cymru, exclusive screenings in magnificent places like - Folly Farm, Gene Park Cymru, St Fagans and Portmeirion Village, and special talks and workshops lined up with industry experts, including Bait Studios and Magic Light Pictures.

Accessibility and inclusivity are key aims of the Festival with over half of the programme offered as audio-described, subtitled or autism-friendly.

For programme information, to book tickets and download resources visit www.intofilm.org/festival