The third season for the Bermuda National Gallery's Film Series kicks off this evening.

Film series coordinator Cathy Stovell said that all the scheduled films were all works of art in their own right and could not be seen anywhere else on the Island.

"Some of them are beautiful in terms of the cinematography while others are fabulous because of the way they were written or directed. All the films between November and May cannot be rented from local video shops.

"The film series gives locals the opportunity to see films they normally wouldn't have the chance to watch on the big screen,'' she said. "It has been scaled down a bit from previous years.

"We used to show two films a month, now we will only show one a month -- but there will be two films shown in October.'' This year's selections include films from the around the world -- countries like France, Sweden and India.

"We try to take a sampling from around the world,'' said Ms Stovell. "And we try to mix it up and make the films tie in to what's going on in the community at the time. For example, February is Black History Month, so we will show an African film that month.

"An Indian film will be shown in November to tie in with the Indian Festival of Lights, Dawali, and on October 26, the Swedish film the Seventh Seal will be shown because of Hallowe'en.'' Following each presentation, there is an opportunity for patrons to have an informal discussion about the film.

Aside for catching wonderful films, Ms Stovell also pointed out that the film series provides anyone studying foreign languages with an excellent opportunity to practice their skills.

"I think students or anyone studying a foreign language should come out. It will give them a chance to use their skills.'' And Ms Stovell said the film series has dedicated the months of April and May solely to local films.

"In April we will show a film that was produced by locals,'' she revealed.

"The film will be released next month in the US.

"And in May we plan to show Earl Cameron's films. He was a big film star who happens to be Bermudian.'' The Bermuda National Gallery Film Series begins its third season this evening with the French film Cyrano de Bergerac, directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau.

Doors open at 6.15 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $4 for BNG members and $6 for non-members.

FILMS ON SHOW Films on show Here is the 1999/2000 Bermuda National Gallery Film Series schedule: October 12: The French film, Cyrano de Bergerac; October 26: The Swedish film, Seventh Seal; November 23: Apu, a film from India; January 23: The American film, Warrior Marks; February 8: Tilai, a film from Burkina Faso in Africa; February 22: The Swedish film, The Sacrifice; March 28: The Spanish film, Red Squirrel; April 11: Bermuda specials produced by locals, Jimmy Smallhorne/Charles Riley; and May 11: Bermudian film star Earl Cameron features.

Foreign films: The Bermuda National Gallery's Film Series kicks off its third season tonight with the French Film Cyrano de Bergerac. Film coordinator Cathy Stovell (above) said this season's film series will feature films from around the world -- sure to please the biggest film buffs.