Wichita ? An independent film producer wants to bring a regional film festival to the state’s largest city.

“When I heard that Wichita did not have a major film festival, I set out to change that,” said Timothy Gruver, 31, who has produced three short films in the past three years and has experience organizing and marketing two California festivals.

He envisions an event that would attract 10,000 to 12,000 people to watch 35 to 40 films during a four-day period. Gruver already has tentatively picked Oct. 2-5 for the first festival.

“Wichita has a lot of resources to throw a world-class event,” said Gruver, who was born in Topeka and reared in Wichita. Gruver estimated the Wichita festival would cost $300,000.

Half of that could come from in-kind services that companies or individuals would volunteer. The rest would be raised through corporate sponsorships, grants, private foundations, benefits, ticket sales and advertising.

Mayor Bob Knight is intrigued by the idea. “From the snippets I’ve heard, it’s certainly worth exploring. I think the more options for entertainment and culture we have for residents, the higher the quality of life is in the community,” Knight said.

Gruver has organized an 11-member board representing a cross section of city leaders. He also has received a letter of support from Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan. And recently Gruver filed for incorporation under the name Wichita Association for Motion Picture Arts.

“Selecting the films is the easy part,” said Gruver, who hopes to be hired as the organization’s executive director. “What’s difficult is the operations beforehand, from organizing volunteers to selling tickets to vending.”