It might have been the biggest earner in the history of British cinema – but there's still a sense of confusion about Slumdog Millionaire.

Some sections of the world remain convinced it is American, others believe it to be an Indian masterpiece.

For film expert Roy Stafford, the debate is a little simpler. Danny Boyle's colourful, chaotic film – about a young slum-dweller who appears on the Indian version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – is the first truly global epic.

"It is the biggest British film of all time, no American money was used to make it," Roy said.

"But there's a big debate around its identity.

"In some parts of the world it is considered an Indian film, in others it is thought of as American – but it is very much a product of the British film industry.

"I believe it's the first truly global film – it is British, it is about India and it was a success around the world.

"It is a new kind of film, in the way that the Spaghetti Westerns, which were made in Italy, took the American tradition of the cowboy film and made into something fresh."

Roy, a freelance film expert, will be talking about Slumdog Millionaire prior to a screening of the film in Ellerker this Friday.

His presentation is part of a new initiative, which aims to bring discussion about film out of the cities and into the villages.

Screened by ArtERY – an arts organisation that brings cinema and theatre into rural areas of the East Riding – it is hoped the showing will be a fuller alternative to the normal cinema experience.

"It's about getting people to think a bit further – rather than going out, seeing a film, and going home again," said Roy.

Alongside exploring the Indian reaction to the film – which was hated in some quarters – Roy is also interested in Hollywood's response.

"Both Hollywood and Bollywood, the Indian film industry, would love to make films like that, which mix eastern and western genres," said Roy.

"They have not managed to do that yet – although there have been some attempts.

"You can see how Hollywood is looking to appeal to a more global audience – such as putting the Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-Fat in the most recent Pirates Of The Caribbean film.

"But they have still not had anything like Slumdog Millionaire."

* Talk on Slumdog Millionaire takes place on Friday at 7pm in Ellerker Village Hall, Ellerker. Tickets are £2-£3.50 on the door, call: (01430) 422104