YOUNGSTERS across Newport and Cwmbran can enjoy free trips to the cinema later this year as the world’s biggest youth film festival returns to Gwent.

Into Film Festival, taking place between November 9 and 25, will return with a diverse programme of free screenings and events to “captivate young minds and bring learning to life”.

Events are open for young people aged between five and 19 and this year’s roster includes a tribute to Roald Dahl’s centenary and screenings linked to diversity, wellbeing and anti-bullying.

The annual celebration of film and education, made possible by funding from Cinema First and the British Film Institute through lottery funding, showcases a wide collaboration with UK cinema industry partners.

Open to schools, colleges, home educators and youth leaders across the UK, the festival will offer a range of stories curated around six themes "designed with educators in mind".

This year’s programme contains a mix of blockbusters, adaptations of novels and plays, British and classic films, documentaries and world cinema.

Hosted by 'Into Film' and delivered by National Schools Partnership, the festival has also gained several supporters including actor Michael Sheen, who is a ‘Into Film’ ambassador.

The Newport-born Hollywood actor believes the festival is important because of its potential to inspire young people, adding "films have educated me as much as school has”.

“Through film young people can broaden their horizons, be inspired to recognise their potential and tell their own stories so the rest of the world may one day hear them,” he said.

“Film gave me this magical world that I could go to - I think that's something that people can get from the Into Film Festival.”

Highlights in Newport and Cwmbran this year will include free screenings of films including James and the Giant Peach, The Angry Birds Movie, Finding Dory (3D), The Jungle Book (2016), X-Men Apocalypse and more.

Gwent’s offering also includes two autism-friendly screenings of the classic animated Jungle Book and Kubo and the Two Strings and over half of the festival screenings are available to people with a visual or hearing impairment.

Chosen films will also explore topics such as changes in circumstance, the environment, bullying and transition, offering pupils the chance to debate topics including immigration and discrimination.

Teaching resources linking to each festival strand and dedicated student guides are available to download from the Into Film Festival website for use at screenings and in the classroom.

To book tickets, schools and educators should visit www.intofilm.org/events/festival.