Free outdoor film screenings are taking place in Oxford University Parks as part of a festival Britdoc to promote documentaries.

Two films of 'social, political and cultural' importance will be shown in the parks, off South Parks Road, tonight and tomorrow. Short films will be shown at 7pm and the main feature will begin at 8.30pm.

People are invited to bring a picnic and take in a film as the sun sets. There will also be the chance to win a ride in a Nokia hot air balloon, sponsors of the festival.

Festival director Beadie Finzi said: "Britdoc aims to introduce audiences to great documentary films, and show that they really do matter to British culture and society. Through giving us an insight into other worlds, lives and situations, documentaries not only have the power to engage and entertain, but in many instances to inspire individuals and societies to rethink the way they live.

"We're bringing some fantastic documentaries to the big screen and what better way to enjoy a film than on a summer's night as the sun goes down, with a blanket, picnic and glass of wine."

The aim of the festival, based at Keble College and launched by the Channel 4 British Documentary Film Foundation, is to stimulate the market for documentary films.

Tonight, Mad Hot Ballroom , directed by Marilyn Agrelowill, will be shown which looks at 11-year-old New York public school children's experience of ballroom dancing.

During the film they are transformed from typical urban kids to "ladies and gentlemen," as they strive toward the final city wide competition.

Tomorrow will be Once in a Lifetime, directed by Paul Crowder and John Dower the story of the New York Cosmos soccer team during the 1970s.

The team's flamboyant larger-than-life players and executives were a hit, with a fan base including stars from the fashion, music, art, political and business worlds.

One of the films showcased yesterday at the festival was Blue Blood, directed by Stevan Riley, which follows a group of hopefuls who join Oxford University Amateur Boxing Club.

Among them are a rugby player, an astrophysics graduate and a chorister. The film charts their training under the coach, Des, who puts them through their paces in preparation for a fight against a Cambridge University team. For more information on the festival, log onto its website www.britdoc.org/festival.