Croydon will be engulfed in movie mayhem this month as the first ever Croydon Film Festival takes over the borough.

Films of all sorts will be taking place in various venues, including some rather unusual ones, with the main theme of Passion in all its form running throughout.

Highlights of the month include a question and answer session with Nick Moran, director of Telstar and The Kid on April 22; a film makers conference with top speakers from the world of television and film; a showing of visually stunning film Endless Cities (including a live violin and electronic soundtrack performance); plus film screenings at IKEA (Pippi Longstocking), the Green Dragon pub (Sing-along-a-Wicker Man) and even in the back of black cab in North End.

There will also be a series of themed screenings in the David Lean cinema as well as art house productions supported by lectures and question and answer sessions.

Councillor Steve Hollands, cabinet member for culture and sports, said: “The beauty of film is that it is accessible to everyone and that it has the power to be educational at the same time as being great fun.

"Going out to the movies will always be something a little special and this festival will hopefully encourage people to broaden their horizons and check out some films that they might not otherwise go to see.”

Croydon is not only the birthplace of the renowned director David Lean, but it has also been the location for numerous movies over the years.

These range from Terry Gilliam’s Brazil to the more recent drama, The Kid - which will be previewed at the festival and was written by New Addington born author Kevin Lewis.

There will also be three filmmakers competitions with previews of the short film competition entries shown in what may be the world’s smallest art deco cinema, which will be parked in North End for the launch on April 1.

CineCabaGoGo is a luxuriously converted black cab with a red carpet to the door and that provides a miniaturised cinematic experience in full surround-sound.

Events on this week:

April 1: Cinecabagogo, North End, 3pm.

Be transformed into a movie star and walk down the red carpet for an intimate cinematic experience.

April 3: The General, David Lean Cinema, 11am, £7.30.

When union spies steal Buster Keaton's beloved train, he pursues it single-handed and straight through enemy lines.

April 7: Freestyle, plus Q&A with director and former professional basketball player Kolton Lee, 8pm, £7.

British urban drama set in the competitive world of freestyle basketball.

Croydon Film Festival, April 1 to 30. Visit croydonfilmfestival.org.uk.