SEVEN years have passed since films were screened in Gravesend but they are set to come back with a bang on Tuesday (January 8) thanks to an award winning film director.

The Paul Greengrass cinema at The Woodville will open with a screening of the comedy drama, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

The Bourne Supremacy and Green Zone director has put his name to the venue which will host three screenings every Tuesday, along with a Saturday morning family film club and world cinema classics on a Sunday evening.

A further two films will be screened each month as part of the Blockbuster film event with all tickets free of charge throughout this month.

This will be the first time films have been screened since the old Gravesend cinema burnt down in 2006 after an arson attack.

Woodville manager Neil Chandler said: "It will have a huge impact on the community as the cinema is free throughout January and from then on will be far cheaper than surrounding cinemas.

"Some children in Gravesend will never have visited the cinema before.

"If this were their first time we wish to make it a magical experience and create a lasting impression."

He added: "The rebranding of Woodville Halls cinema will add some gravitas and kudos to the proceedings.

"It will not just be the Civic Centre cinema."

All tickets will cost £4.50 for adults, except family film club tickets on a Saturday morning which will be £3 - cheaper than surrounding cinemas as films will be shown six weeks after release dates.

The venue, which is sponsored by solicitors Hatten Wyatt hopes to screen some of Greengrass’ films early next year along with a directorial talk from the man himself.