And it's not just us saying it. For Feb Film the weekend of film at the Alhambra on 8th - 10th February we have Control, Anton Corbijn's film about the fractured life of Joy Division singer Ian Curtis, which took home five awards, including best picture, at the British Independent Film Awards. Heime, the film featuring Iceland and music from Sigur Ros "is an astoundingly beautiful film both as a visual and in sound. It manages to cram the open wilderness of Iceland into a roughly 100 minute feast for the eyes and ears and leave you wanting for more."

Then there is The Singer with a stunning performance by Depardieu, The Band's Visit "gentle, artful, unassuming, culture-clash comedy", Once which got the Audience Award at Sundance and When the Road Bends "a potent combination of ethnography and concert film". We are keeping a slot or two for Ken Russell's films - he hopes to come to the Festival, and for the Bollywood movie recently filmed here which is almost finished.

The great thing about this weekend is you can see them all. Because the Theatre is being extended we cannot use it until the main Ninth Film Festival in April so February is a mini-fest just at the Alhambra. There will be an opening party on the Friday night for pass-holders in the Masonic Hall opposite the Alhambra.

Passes are on sale now for both February and April. If you buy both at once you get discounts and if you buy before Christmas you get even better prices. What more do you need to sort out your Christmas present list.

More information from the website at www.keswickfilmfestival.org. Online tickets from the Theatre by the Lake www.theatrebythelake.com or phone them on 017687 74411.