Independent filmmakers from all over the world will be sharing their art with audiences at the first annual Bridgeport Film Festival this weekend.

Executive Director Laurence Caso says the Klein Memorial Auditorium's new digital projection system will be put to the test by playing over 70 short films from all over the world.

The festival is the brainchild of Groundwork Bridgeport, a nonprofit dedicated to Bridgeport's green and social spaces.

Filmmakers say they're looking forward to hearing from diverse viewpoints on the big screen, but for them, the most important thing is the chance to network and talk shop.

Local filmmakers say giving Bridgeport a festival to call its own will help put the city on the artistic map.

Films, panels and workshops from the Bridgeport Film Festival are also available online.