The film festival dates have been set for June 29, 30 and July 1 this year.

In an interview with the Chronicle last week Stavros Kazantzidis said the focus is now on engaging with the community on a higher level than last year.

“We are calling for expressions of interest for different aspects of the event with hopefully members of the community taking it up,” he said.

Going out to tender will be more screening venues, opening night and the Saturday night party.

“We are also open to other ideas,” he said.

“If we can’t get anyone to take on the opening night event then it will just be more relaxed than other years.

“The Saturday night party is big, attracting up to 1000 people.

“Whoever takes it on would keep the ticket revenue less a small booking free.

“We are encouraging local businesses and community groups to be involved in this process as well as those from the wider Hunter region.

“It’s a big shift from what we have done in the past but this will ensure the community gets a larger stake in the event . . . something to call their own.

“We want to see the event continue well into the future, past Allanah [Zitserman] and Stavros.

“If the community gets involved it can be better, lots of fun and involving more people in the community.

“We will work together [with the community] to make it bigger and better.”