IT'S time for the likes of Tom Cruise and Julie Roberts to stand aside because there's a new film premier hitting the big screen.

Not one but three films have been shown for the first time at Exeter Phoenix and the stars aren't Hollywood actors but local children who have been given the chance for their voices to be heard.

And if America can do 3D then so can Exeter, with one of the films making use of the technology.

The films have been released by Exeter production company My Pockets who make films, art and creative projects which give a voice to powerful experiences that would otherwise go unheard.

Last spring, filmmaker and director of My Pockets Peter Snelling started work on the film I Could Live Yours, starring three 18-year-olds from Littleham, Exmouth, who have been in trouble with the police or were young offenders and who had formed a rap group to change their ways. The film follows their life-changing journey and reveals how music has helped them to make the right choices.

At the same time, Peter also worked with a group of 10 to 14-year-olds from a youth club called The Switch Project in Littleham to make The BFI. Using archive footage from the British Film Institute they have created a film revealing 60 years of teenagers.

The third film, Never Forget, features children aged 10 and 11 from Axminster who wanted to create a message to themselves in the future about the things they didn't want to forget about being a child.

The films were made in conjunction with Exeter Phoenix and Never Forget is the first 3D film the venue has made, funded by First Light through a studio award.

Delighted with the final outcome of all three films, Peter, who is currently working on new films about teenagers at the Tottenham riots and teenage sex and relationships, said: "The films will now be shown at various film festivals around the world, including New York and Australia. They will get seen a lot because there is something special about them. They are all really good, entertaining, enjoyable and interesting films. The effect on the young people who took part in them is also really positive.

"They feel they have got a voice and it has given them an opportunity to express things about their situation, whereas before no one would listen to them.

"The project has also taught them new skills and they have gained a lot more confidence. So not only are the films good, the effect of making the films is also very good."

The films are available to view on the Exeter Phoenix website www.exeterphoenix.org.uk