THREE classic films are returning to the big screen as part of an inaugural Hampshire film festival in September.

Film-buffs attending Eastleigh Film Festival were asked to choose their favourites from a selection of ten of cinema’s best-loved genre movies put forward by BBC Film 2014 presenter and Guardian film critic Danny Leigh.

Anyone with a queasy stomach might want to find a sofa to hide behind for three nights because it’s going to get grisly with three dark and twisted masterpieces coming out on top.

Although the voting was close, Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic The Shining starring Jack Nicholson, David Cronenberg’s sci-fi flick The Fly and Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Les Diaboliques will all now be screened as part of festival’s Opening Night Gala event at the Vue cinema.

Danny, who will personally introduce each film on September 22, said: “I was particularly keen to get involved with the first Eastleigh Film Festival, that idea of planting a seed and hoping that something will grow is a great thing to be a part of. 

“Hopefully people will come along who perhaps haven’t fallen in love with film before, and will be exposed to something wonderful.

“It was incredibly tough selecting my ten films from the whole vast menu of cinema, so I’m glad the decision for the final three was taken away from me! 

“The online vote came back with some fantastic choices; The Shining is this much-loved, much-feared classic, and you’ll notice so much more on the big screen; The Fly is everything a science fiction film should be – funny, subversive, thought-provoking and strange; and Les Diaboliques is one of the most genuinely chilling thrillers I’ve ever seen. 

“The idea of seeing that on the big screen is really exciting to me. I honestly don’t know if I could pick just one to watch on the night, but you’ll be in safe hands with any of them!”

Other treats being lined up for the festival, which runs until September 27, include the chance to go bowling before enjoying The Coen brothers’ comedy The Big Lebowski in Eastleigh’s AMF Bowling Alley.

Horror fans will have even more to experience seminal zombie spectacular Dawn of the Dead at the Swan Centre after dark. 

There’s also the chance to share a romantic meal at La Fenice while watching the restaurant-set drama from 1995 Big Night starring Stanely Tucci in a breakout role.

It is not all blood and guts though, The Point will embrace its position as a top dance venue by screening musical classics Top Hat and Strictly Ballroom alongside opportunities to learn some moves from the experts on Friday, September 26.For more information and tickets visit eastleighfilmfestival.com</>.