Oxdox:MK is celebrating the birthdays of our oldest and newest cities, Oxford at 1000 and Milton Keynes at 40, by screening in both cities this year. The theme of the festival 'Documenting the Real World' really is reflected in the films – subjects range from the premieres of the latest films on the environmental debate, China, the Mafia, women in Islamic countries (made by young female Turkish directors), Art, Music (including live performance), Political Thrillers, Space and City Life. City Life is further explored in the exhibitions jointly created with the Ovada Gallery on 'OurSpace'.

This year, two world firsts during the festival are set to put Oxford and Milton and Keynes at the forefront of digital cinema. On Wednesday 21st March at 8.00 p.m., there will be a simultaneous screening to cinemas around the world of a premiere of an environmental film 'The Planet'. Following the screening, there will be a question and answer session with the director and scientists at The Open University, that will be broadcast live to all the participating cinemas. Through pioneering technology led by The Open University, Cineworld and the European Digital Cinema Forum, Oxdox:MK will become a global hub linking cinemas in major cities across the world to create a platform for a live discussion on the environment.

Yunfest, one of China's oldest documentary festivals, will screen at Oxdox:MK this year. Five of their films with their directors, will be screening at the festival in what is planned to be the beginning of a long association with Yunfest.

For the first time, Oxdox:MK will present an audience award for the Best Feature Documentary and Best Short film. Audiences will vote at the end of each screening. The Best Student Film and the Best Dance Film awards will be chosen by a panel made up of film critics, internationally acclaimed directors, and film lecturers. The award ceremony will be held in Milton Keynes Theatre on Sunday 25th March at 7.00 p.m.

Oxdox:MK will also be screening in London at the Curzon Soho, The Renoir and The Barbican.

Enjoy the festival!