The Fifth annual Bridgeport Film Fest got underway this weekend at the Klein Memorial Auditorium.

Critics called it one of the "best young film festivals in the country," and it featured screenings of independent films along with workshops, panels and networking events.

Organizers said it was founded with the mission of inspiring independent artists and celebrating Bridgeport's creative community.

"It is growing in the number of films and the number of attendees, and I would also say the quality of the films. Word is spreading across the country. This is a legitimate bone fide festival for the future," said Laurence Caso, executive director at the Klein Memorial Auditorium.

"The Bridgeport Film Fest is community, it's home, it's personal stories, it's people coming together and people changing the narrative of Bridgeport, which is important," said the festival's Jason A. Coombs.

The three-day event runs through Sunday in person and virtually until Sept. 22.