Six short films made as English and French versions of the same scripts are to make their debut at the Dinard film festival in France.

Aimed at improving creative relations between the French and British film industries, the project is said to be one of the first times films have been made twice in the two languages.

Normally, English-language films are dubbed or subtitled for the French market, and French films subtitled in the UK.

The award-winning Magdalene Sisters is also on show

The innovative project was the result of a deal between Britain's Film Council and its French counterpart CNC, and it is hoped even more ambitious bilateral schemes will be organised in the future.

A British and a French director was picked for each script and the versions in each language given different names.

Entente cordiale

The English versions include Payday, the story of two homeless alcoholics, and Championship, about a male football manager who has to tell an intimate story to motivate his woman's football team in a vital European tie.

Paul Tribits, who heads the Film Council's New Cinema Fund, said: "This is a great way to encourage new talent, and a wonderful example of the entente cordiale between the UK and French film industries paying off for European cinema in general."

The 13th Dinard festival - which starts on Friday - will also showcase 30 other British films including upcoming hits like Morven Callar, and The Magdalene Sisters as well as a Ken Loach retrospective.

Carry On star Fenella Fielding will be among the guests, with four of the much-loved comedies on the programme.

A Film Council spokesman said: "What this festival shows is how popular UK films are whether they're old or new."