After dipping its toe into the local scene with a number of smaller-scale events, Milwaukee Film has announced the Milwaukee Film Festival, which takes place Sept. 24-Oct. 4.

"We're incredibly excited to be able to announce the Film Festival dates today," said Jonathan Jackson, Milwaukee Film artistic director, in a statement.

"We're confident that the new festival will be the best Milwaukee has seen and that it will be a Milwaukee institution for many years to come."

More than 100 films will screen at a number of local venues, including the Oriental and Marcus' North Shore Cinema. In addition to local films, the festival will present national and international works, many of which wouldn't otherwise be seen here.

Jackson attended the Berlin International Film Festival -- known as the Berlinale -- to stay up to date on the international scene and blogged about the trip last month on OnMilwaukee.com.

"Thousands of Milwaukeeans filled the seats at the film festival in years past, and this year our goal is to bring those guests back and to attract a diverse new audience," said Diane Bacha, who was named executive director of Milwaukee Film in October.

"The response we've gotten since forming the organization last year has been overwhelmingly positive, and we can't wait to present Milwaukee with this world-class festival come September. It's truly a privilege to be able to essentially bring the whole world to Milwaukee through film."

Since Milwaukee Film launched last summer, it has hosted a local short film competition and festival and screenings of films with local ties like "Handmade Nation" and "American Movie," which celebrated its 10th anniversary with an event in December.

The early deadline for film submissions is April 6. Entry fees start at $10, but the fees are waived for Milwaukee filmmakers. The festival will offer cash and production prizes to winners.

Tickets for individual screenings will cost $10, and there will be discounts for early purchases and for ticket packages, which go on sale in April.