WEST CHESTER - Film fans will have a chance to view films from across the country and world, as the West Chester Film Festival returns for its third year from Oct. 5 until Oct. 8.

About 90 films, which are under 30 minutes each and will be shown in one and a half-hour blocks, will be screened during the festival.

John Cigler, the public relations chairman of the festival, has viewed all of the submissions, which he said were around 250, and was impressed with the work.

"This year, I would say out of all the film submissions, 25 percent were by women filmmakers. That is phenomenal," he said.

He added that about 20 or 25 percent of the submissions were from student filmmakers.

"The future of independent film is in good hands," he said.

The experimental films also left an impression on him.

"The experimental film submissions this year were more interesting and more artistic than what I've seen in the past," he said. "Two or three I've seen were edgy and left you thinking about what you've seen."

Cigler stated that the purpose of the festival is to support independent filmmakers.

"The idea is we're trying to help the filmmaker as much as we can," he said. "We also want to bring theater back to West Chester."

One of the highlights of this year's festival includes Secret Pants, a Philadelphia-based comedy troupe that will lead the weekend workshops.

The troupe will split into two teams with festival attendees to create short films that will be shown at the conclusion of the festivities.

"Secret Pants have a wonderful following. They are hysterical," Cigler said.

The workshops will also feature New York artist George Bobby Jones, a bigwig of art and experimental film-making.

West Chester native Charlie McDermott, who appeared in "The Village," will lead a workshop on professional acting.

The kick-off for the festival will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Chester County Historical Society on North High Street.

The opening night gala costs $40, and it will feature previews of the films and music by Laura Shay and Eyelevel.

"I think it's a great opportunity to meet the filmmakers," Cigler said about the gala.

"It will be a real casual evening and fun. If you have an interest in film, there will be something there for you," he said.

The closing ceremonies will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8th from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Chester County Historical Society.

Awards will be given then for all of the categories that include animation, drama, documentary, comedy, student, Pa. filmmaker and People's Choice Award.

Also, The Regional Center for Women in the Arts will give a $500 cash award to the best film by a woman filmmaker.

The workshop series will conclude during Sunday's party when Secret Pants presents the two competing short films.

Attendees have to pay $15 at the door for the party.

Films will play at the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Columbus, Chester County Historical Society and Baptist Church of West Chester.

Signs for specific locations and times will be posted throughout the weekend at the various venues.

It costs $7 for a block of films. Children three and under are free, while children 12 and under are $3. A weekend pass is $50.

For more information about the festival, visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com.

To contact staff writer Brian Fanelli, send an e-mail to bfanelli@dailylocal.com.