Could you be the next Ridley Scott, Danny Boyle or Andrea Arnold? Budding film directors of all ages and backgrounds are invited to enter the borough’s first film festival.

Called DIY Film Festival, the one-day event will offer Barking and Dagenham enthusiasts an opportunity to share an amazing mix of short films on the theme of the past, present and future of the borough.

The festival is just one of the many projects created with the assistance of Every One Every Day, the £7.2m community driven initiative that launched in November 2017.

Entrants don’t need any experience or expensive equipment – films shot on mobile phones are just as welcome as camcorders – and submissions can be in any style, from storytelling and documentaries, to interviews or music videos.

It really promises to be an entertaining day

Tessy Britton, chief executive of Participatory City Foundation, which with Barking and Dagenham Council formed Every One Every Day, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to showcase their talents to the rest of the community.

“Whether you are entering your own cinematic picture or just going along to see what interesting projects other people have created, it really promises to be an entertaining day.”

Archive footage from bygone years is also welcome, so the project is encouraging residents to check in cupboards and attics for any old footage.

The deadline for film entries is Monday, 16 April. All films entered into the festival must be suitable for people of all ages to watch.

The DIY Film Festival takes place on Saturday, 21 April between 2pm and 6pm at the Every One Every Day shop at 55 Ripple Road, Barking.