A FILM fanatic from Timperley has had the honour of directing Watersprite, the now famous Cambridge International Student Film Festival, which takesplace from March 7 to 9, writes Tom Dyson.

Marianne Styger, a former pupil of Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, has taken the prestigious role of festival director having already established a film making project in a Quebec school and launched an online distribution platform in Chicago for Facets, a media arts organisation.

The 19-year-old is currently studying French and Italian at Christ’s College, Cambridge and is expected to graduate in July.

She said: “Altrincham Grammar School for Girls provided me with an invaluable strong work ethic that carried over from my studies into my extra-curricular activities.

“It is from watching foreign language films in class in preparation for my French and Spanish A-level that I developed a love for cinema and its ability to tell stories from around the globe, which is what drew me to Watersprite, given its international reach.”

Now in its fifth year, the festival has secured the attendance of screenwriter Richard Curtis CBE and actor Rob Brydon who will both be speaking at the event.

Marianne added: “I hope to pursue a career in film upon graduating, and it’s very encouraging to see the opportunities now available in the North West with the development of Media City.

“Watersprite’s patron Hilary Bevan Jones, first chairwoman of BAFTA and independent producer, is currently shooting her latest production in Manchester.

“It’s very promising for media in the area that an increasing number of producers are moving from London to the North-West.”