Hayden McLean’s film The Last Dance was selected from 120 global submissions.
Hayden said: “I feel blessed to be shortlisted in the inaugural Essex International Film Festival.
“Not just for what it means to me as a first-time filmmaker but also what it means as a third-generation Windrush Brit.”
The festival, supported by Dame Helen Mirren, will take place across various venues in the county from March 27 to 30.
The event will showcase films from different genres, including drama, horror, comedy, and documentaries.
Lily Streames, founder of the Essex Film Collective and festival organiser, said: “I have been blown away by the quality of the films submitted.
“We’ve had films entered from all over Europe and America, but some of the best have been made by Essex-based talent.”
Councillor Mark Durham, cabinet member for the arts, heritage, and culture, added: “Essex has always given open arms to the film industry, welcoming many productions here via our film office.
“The county has many attractive features for the industry – the proximity to London, our diverse environments, but our people are the real stars of the show.”
