SCOTLAND has a new annual movie event: A movie festival which celebrates films from the Catalan region of Spain.

A programme of nine days of films in five venues across Edinburgh will attempt to tap into Catalan culture as well as providing room for discussion about its culture and society.

The festival, from November 29 to December 17, is intended to become a yearly event, with future events featuring films from other regions of Spain such as the Basque country and Andalucia.

It opens with Listening to Judge Garzón by Isabel Coixet at the Summerhall venue.

Carlos Redondo, festival director, said: "This is a rare opportunity to approach one of the most significant art forms of a vibrant culture, aware as we are the connecting power of the latter is essential for creating open and democratic societies."