Around 20 snails are set to compete against each other in a race in the north-western German city of Oldenburg on Saturday to promote a film festival.

The gastropods aim to cover a distance of 33 centimetres, according to a spokeswoman for the Oldenburg International Film Festival.

According to the statement, the fastest snail wins a salad in a cup and a season ticket for the festival under the motto “Fast and Furious — Back to Culture.”

Following the snail race, the organisers plan to show the 2013 computer animated film “Turbo,” about a garden snail named Theo.

The film festival, which focuses on independent film, starts on September 15 and has world premieres and debut films in its programme.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, seats in the cinemas are limited, films can also be watched via a streaming service from the comfort of your living room at home. Interested parties need tickets. — dpa