Film Hamilton has announced the inaugural Hamilton Film Festival — to take place April 5-7 — as part of an effort to jump start the city’s foray into the film industry.

Film Hamilton, a new social enterprise designed to connect filmmakers with local talent, property owners who can offer filming locations, and companies that can provide services to film crews, hosted a kickoff breakfast Friday for about 40 members of the business and creative community.

“We are excited about bringing Hollywood to Hamilton,” said Mindy Muller of Film Hamilton. “We know filmmakers will be excited about what we can offer here and there’s no better way to get them into our city than by hosting a festival of this nature.”

Film festivals are common in the industry and are offered in cities of various sizes all over the world, Muller said.

Organizers will offer opportunities for attendees to view feature-length films as well as short films during the weekend. The festival’s draw will include a film competition with monetary prize.

“We know that if we can offer a decent cash award, we will attract serious film makers to the contest,” said Steve Colwell, director of TvHamilton and an organizer of the event.

The Festival competition will accept feature-length and short films in all genres from Nov. 15 until late January.

Films entered into the competition will be judged by a panel of industry professionals. Finalists will be invited to host a showing of their film during the Festival and the grand prize winner will be announced an awards ceremony April 7.

In addition to film screenings, other activities planned include a keynote address by Gail Mezey of the Ohio Film Office, networking opportunities, and an awards dinner with a celebrity emcee.

For more information, visit www.filmhamilton.com or www.facebook.com/filmhamiltonohio.