Make the most of Fringe film festivals

You may have noticed that a little thing called the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has rolled into town: you can tell by the fact it takes at least an extra 20 minutes to get anywhere.

If you're tempted to just stay at home with a DVD, look around a bit you might find a film-related show or two that could tempt you through those crowds.

One of the most interesting shows looks to be Carnival of Souls (Cameo Cinema, 6 – 11 August, http://bit.ly/cfQe4b) inspired by the 1962 cult film of the same name which relied more on atmosphere than special effects. It may be a theatre adaptation, but the show involves physical language, VJ-ing and sound improvisation to create an immersive horror experience.

Using a combination of audio and visual samples, the production features a woman recovering from a traumatic accident who is drawn to a mysterious abandoned carnival.

Returning for a sixth season, Fringe Film Festival (C soco, 4 – 30 August, www.cthefilm.com) brings short films and contemporary filmmakers to audiences, with work from UK, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and around the globe. There aren't too many details about what's screening on each day, but it's worth dropping in for a surprise if you get the opportunity.

A series of films made specially for the Fringe can be seen as part of the CineFringe Film Festival (thespace @ symposium hall, 11 – 28 August, www.cinefringe.com). There's a chance to hear talks or take part in workshops, take part in your own film production and, perhaps most importantly, earn yourself free popcorn.

The brilliantly titled Aaaaaaaargh! Malcolm Hardee Documentary Preview (Laughing Horse @ The Counting House, 8 – 9 August, www.tunnelfilms.co.uk) is a chance to see The Tunnel, a documentary looking at the untimely death of the eponymous comedian in 2005. A number of comedians come together to tell his story.

For sheer entertainment value, Reel-to-Real (4 – 30 August, Pleasance Courtyard, www.reeltoreal.co.uk) could be just the ticket.

The original story follows two siblings competing for their family fortune by taking on an epic quest devised by their father to decide who should inherit his movie empire. Hits such as Singin' in the Rain and New York, New York are mixed with clips from Casablanca and South Pacific in a show which premiered in Beijing earlier in 2010.