KESWICK is gearing up for the return of the MINT Chinese Film Festival, with the announcement of its lineup for the short film shortlist being revealed. 

The international celebration of cinema at Keswick's Alhambra Cinema will run from February 1 - 4 showcasing over 30 features. 

The short film lineup boasts a selection of twelve features created by young filmmakers from China, the United States, the UK, France and Germany.

Five films in the programme will make their UK premiere, the line-up includes the film Wena, set to excite audiences outside of its production country, China, for the first time.

"Together, these films form a mosaic of voices, perspectives, and emotions, weaving together to create a rich programme of universal themes," a festival organiser said. 

The Best Feature/Short and Special Jury prizes will be announced during the closing screening on February 4.

Festivalgoers are also invited to vote for their favourite films in the Audience Choice Awards.

The festival is expecting a turnout similar to last year in which the screenings brought around 250 people including Chinese students from all across the UK. 

It is co-organised by Carol Rennie, part-owner of the cinema, and part of an effort to put Keswick on the map for Chinese cinema enthusiasts.

The full lineup and additional festival information are available on unicornscreening.com, and festival passes and tickets can be booked through keswickalhambra.co.uk.