Basingstoke’s annual Exit 6 Film Festival took over the town for a sixth time this weekend.

The film festival saw Miss Fortunate winning two awards for best film and best screenplay. While, Down was the audience's choice for best film. American actress Tovah Feldshuh for her role in The Book of Ruth won the festival's award for best performance.

Man Or Tree won the best editing and The Exit Plan won the best cinematography awards.

Judges at this years event included cinematographer David Rom, editor Mark Towns (Saint Maud), Screenwriter Ben Willbond (Ghosts), Director Jennifer Sheridan (Rose: A Love Story) and actor Shelley Conn (Love Sarah).

The film festival celebrated 43 short films both online and in-person with a grand finale on Saturday, September 25, which was held in person with films being shown at the Vue cinema at Festival Place in Basingstoke.

During the festival week, all films were available to watch on the Exit 6 website along with filmmaker Q&A’s, guest talks and Zoom networking sessions.

Mark Brennan, the director of the festival, said it was a genuine joy to welcome the filmmakers to Basingstoke.

"Exit 6 Film Festival returning to the big screen was everything we hoped for," Mr Brennan said after the festival.

"As much as we’ve missed seeing these incredible films in a cinema, being able to welcome their filmmakers to Basingstoke for a wonderful day and evening was a genuine joy.

"Huge thanks to Carol Freeman and her team at Royal Exchange, Kevin Nelson and his team at Gabardine, and the entire team at Vue for making the day possible. Special thanks to Face TV and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council for sponsoring the event.

"From me, I’d also like to thank the Exit 6 volunteer team for delivering a world-class film festival to our town for the 6th year running.”

Councillor Simon Bound, cabinet member for communities, planning and infrastructure said that he was “delighted” to welcome the return of the festival for the sixth time.

He added: “The festival will provide some much-needed entertainment and gives residents and visitors the opportunity to support filmmakers by enjoying short films from around the world, meet international filmmakers and enjoy a day and evening out with friends and family.

“The council is very proud to be supporting this great event.”