A celebration of local and international filmmakers rounded up Romford's biggest movie festival to date this year.

From May 19 to 25, 183 films from 150 filmmakers showcased their work at Premiere Cinemas in The Mercury Shopping Centre for the sixth annual Romford Film Festival in 2022, which was partnered with the Eurasian Creative Guild.

Romford Recorder: The Best Eurasian Feature Film award was given to Tygyn Darkhan by Nikita Arzhakov in Romford by the Eurasian Creative Guild's Eurasian Film FestivalThe Best Eurasian Feature Film award was given to Tygyn Darkhan by Nikita Arzhakov in Romford by the Eurasian Creative Guild's Eurasian Film Festival (Image: Sandra Rowse)

The selected films represented only 37 per cent of the entries submitted for the international event.

Harold Wood-born Spencer Hawken - who is The Mercury's centre manager, a consultant for Netflix and a co-founder of the festival alongside Natalie Bays - said: "It's been great - we've had Larry Lamb here, he was lovely; we've had some very busy screens; we've had a lot of fun."

He added: "We've had a lot of people flown here from all over the planet - we had representation from eight filmmakers who have come in from the States, we've had people from Australia, Greece, South America, Ukraine."

Romford Recorder: Romford Film Festival co-funders Spencer Hawken and Natalie BaysRomford Film Festival co-funders Spencer Hawken and Natalie Bays (Image: Sandra Rowse)

On the closing night, a glittering ceremony saw multiple filmmakers and other industry professionals receive awards.

This included EastEnders star Larry Lamb, who was recognised as best actor for his role in Old Windows, and Tiggy Bayley, who was named best actress for her part in Tildypops.

Romford Recorder: Larry Lamb went on a tour of Romford while at the film festival, including visiting Robins Pie And Mash on South StreetLarry Lamb went on a tour of Romford while at the film festival, including visiting Robins Pie And Mash on South Street (Image: Carrie Kendall)

Old Windows also achieved best screenplay, with writer and actress Laura Bayston accepting the award.

Romford Recorder: Laura Bayston with Richard Colton from sponsors Royal Flush ProductionsLaura Bayston with Richard Colton from sponsors Royal Flush Productions (Image: Sandra Rowse)

She revealed on stage that her first job was at Premiere Cinemas in Romford 25 years ago, "ripping tickets to watch Forest Gump".

Director and actress Sarah-Jane Potts collected the accolade of best short film for her debut film The Magician.

Romford Recorder: Sarah-Jane Potts with the best short film awardSarah-Jane Potts with the best short film award (Image: Sandra Rowse)

In her speech, she said: "It's overwhelming, I want to say thank you to Romford as you have been so supportive and friendly and it's my first festival so this is amazing.

"I wanted to make a film about connections and kindness because of how important it is and that goes beyond words and dialogue."

Best documentary was awarded to Kyle Grendys for the work Fraser Syndrome and Me.

Romford Recorder: Kyle Grendys, who made documentary Fraser Syndrome and MeKyle Grendys, who made documentary Fraser Syndrome and Me (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Filmmaker Kyle is only the 75th person to be born with the rare, recessive gene disorder.

She said: "This is a story about love and unity and community so that's so prevalent here. Thank you for having me and sharing so much love with me and everybody."

Romford Film Festival is in the process of applying to secure British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) accreditation.

Romford Recorder: Stewart Pink from sponsor Phoenix FMStewart Pink from sponsor Phoenix FM (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Tiggy Bayley with her best actress awardTiggy Bayley with her best actress award (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Filmmakers at the Romford Film Festival 2022's opening nightFilmmakers at the Romford Film Festival 2022's opening night (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Everyone who attended the Romford Film Festival awards ceremony on May 25Everyone who attended the Romford Film Festival awards ceremony on May 25 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Natasha Hawthornthwaite and Scott Bradley of the film BecontreeNatasha Hawthornthwaite and Scott Bradley of the film Becontree (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Spencer Hawken talking to guests - including director and actress Sarah-Jane Potts - at the festival's opening nightSpencer Hawken talking to guests - including director and actress Sarah-Jane Potts - at the festival's opening night (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: New York filmmaker Alex Rollinsberg at the Romford Film Festival's opening nightNew York filmmaker Alex Rollinsberg at the Romford Film Festival's opening night (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Councillors and filmmakers at the Romford Film Festival's opening nightCouncillors and filmmakers at the Romford Film Festival's opening night (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Cllr Christine Vickery chatting with guest Michelle Beard at the Romford Film Festival's opening nightCllr Christine Vickery chatting with guest Michelle Beard at the Romford Film Festival's opening night (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Kat and Paul Philippou-Curtis, who made the film Fire Ants, at Romford Film Festival's opening night 2022Kat and Paul Philippou-Curtis, who made the film Fire Ants, at Romford Film Festival's opening night 2022 (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Nikky Athan Gabriel Athanasiou, of the film AstoriaNikky Athan Gabriel Athanasiou, of the film Astoria (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Craig Talbot and Megan Smith - their film is called Best FriendsCraig Talbot and Megan Smith - their film is called Best Friends (Image: Sandra Rowse)

Romford Recorder: Editor of sponsor Romford Recorder, Franki Berry, announced Visitors to be best local film at the awards ceremonyEditor of sponsor Romford Recorder, Franki Berry, announced Visitors to be best local film at the awards ceremony (Image: Sandra Rowse)