Calendar Girls is one of the year's most talked-about films

The comedy about a group of Women's Institute members who pose naked for a charity calendar is showing at the British Film Festival in Brittany.

Stephen Fry's directorial debut, Bright Young Things, also enjoyed a special screening the day before its release.

The festival hopes to boost the profile of young British directors who may not have a distributor in France.

"The aim of the festival is to be a launch-pad for these films in French territory," said festival president Thierry de la Fourniere.

Six films are in the competition in the town of Dinard - 16 Years of Alcohol, Conspiracy of Silence, Girl With a Pearl Earring, Kiss of Life, One for the Road and Wonderous Oblivion.

Dark themes

Artistic director Hussam Hindi said the films had a sense of isolation and rage.

"Most of the films selected this year express a certain anger, an image of a world which isn't turning as it should, as if the directors have scores to settle," said Hindi.

He said they seemed to show an "England in conflict, a chaotic world."

"70% of the films talk about racism, exile, borders, a loss of identity, gay priests and alcoholism," he added.

The festival also pays tribute to directors Alan Parker and Jim Sheridan with screenings of 10 films by the two men including Angela's Ashes, Midnight Express and My Left Foot.

The late musician Joe Strummer will also be honoured with a rare screening of three films in which he acted.