Edinburgh’s only short film night is being launched today.

Taking place at the Banshee Labyrinth Cinema, Write Shoot Cut is a monthly screening of local, national and international short films.

As well as giving film fans an opportunity to see a variety of short films, the evening involves a Q&A with the filmmakers and will conclude with an opportunity to network over drinks.

Created by Edinburgh screenwriter, Neil Rolland, the event is a physical replica of his increasingly popular blog of the same name. The site showcases the best short films on the internet alongside personal interviews with the people who made them.

Starting at 7pm and lasting no longer than 90 minutes, the screening allows viewers to see around six films without taking up their whole evening.

Mr Rolland says: “I think people get put off shorts because there’s a lot of rubbish out there, there really is. So I sift through all the submissions and find the ones that have stood out in some way.

“They don’t have to fit a particular style, they just have to be interesting in some way, whether that’s the idea, story, directing, performances – whatever.”

Himself a filmmaker, Mr. Rolland’s short script Away – directed by Ryd Cook – screened at Cannes in 2009 and was shortlisted for the Anthony Minghella Best UK Short Award at Hull Film Festival.

His most recent short, Friday Night and Saturday Morning, is currently being assessed by curators around the world for inclusion in their film festival programmes, including the Edinburgh International Film Festival in June.

One third of Little City Pictures, Mr Rolland recognizes the importance for filmmakers to have a support network.

“Making films is only possible if you’ve got that support there. So hopefully [Write Shoot Cut] will be able to give that to people who maybe aren’t too sure on where to start or what to do next.”

Despite Edinburgh’s active film calendar, this is the only event dedicated to short films.

Dave Brown, co-founder of Edinburgh-based seensome, says: “By focussing on local talent, Write Shoot Cut looks like it will be a great night and a welcome addition to the Edinburgh film scene. Short films provide a welcome stepping stone allowing filmmakers to develop their abilities, as well as being an art form in their own right.”

Other monthly events include the Filmhouse Film Quiz, Shooters in the Pub, and Screenwriters, EH.