New film festival launches in Edinburgh.

The Chris Welton film festival started with a bang last night, with an unannounced screening of the 1993 classic children's movie, Rookie of the Year.

One of the all time great "kid miraculously gets good at sport - plays against adults, and wins" movies, Rookie of the Year stars future American Pie star Thomas Ian Nichols and future big ball of crazy, Gary Busey.

Nicholas plays Henry Rowengartner, a normal kid, who after an accident, becomes a major league baseball pitcher - with hilarious results.

The flick was greeted with spirited laughs from the sold out (*capacity of 1*) "Front Room" early yesterday evening, in a reorganised schedule from the planned "Control". (Organisers cite "Monday blues" as the reasoning)

Particular highlights include the spirited, if not rather underused, display by Scrubs star Neil Flynn (Janitor) as a very believable first baseman and Nichols' hilarious capers trying to steal bases by taunting an overweight pitcher.

The festival takes a break this evening but will return on Wednesday evening with Fargo, The Lost Boys, Fast Food Nation and Control all included in the screening lottery.

The Chris Welton film festival is in its first year and focuses on films recently bought for cheap prices from various outlets...but mainly £3 from Fopp.

You can support the Chris Welton film festival by letting Chris enjoy his evenings undisturbed watching films.

Ends

Editors Note: For more information go to www.chrisfilmfestival.co.uk