THE Market Theatre in Ledbury is one of 18 venues taking part in the Borderlines Film Festival.

From Friday, March 21 to Monday, March 31 more than 80 films are being screened at theatres across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

AT 8pm on Friday, March 21 Kandahar will be screened in Ledbury. An Iranian film from director Mohsen Makmalbaf, Kandahar follows the tragic tale of life for women under the Taliban.

Returning from Canada to look for her sister, Nafaz becomes dependent on the protection of strangers as she travels across the desert, trapped under a veil in a land strewn with mines.

Ken Loach's film, Sweet Sixteen will be screened at 8pm on Saturday, March 22.

This is thought to be Loach at his best, concentrating on people rather than issues.

Its hero is 15-year-old Liam, whose mother is a junkie and who dreams of a better life.

Other festival highlights include appearances by directors Sophie Fiennes and Alex Cox and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels actor Nick Moran.

Film Study Days for primary school pupils are also on offer on Thursday, March 27 at the Courtyard in Hereford, and on Wednesday, April 2 at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

For more information call 01432 344039 or visit www.borderlinesfilmfestival.co.uk.