Turner Classic Movies, the popular commercial-free movie channel run by Turner Broadcasting Systems (a Time-Warner company) has announced the launch of its own film festival.

The inaugural TCM Classic Film Festival will take place April 22-25, 2010, in Hollywood, and will feature over 50 screenings of classic movies, special events and appearances by actors, actresses, directors and producers.

The official announcement from TCM reads: “Over the past 15 years, TCM has become more than a television network – it is a community of passionate classic movie fans, a place where watching great films connects people. In April 2010, we will gather to watch great movies introduced by the the people who made them, listen to behind-the-scenes stories, enjoy newly restored films, and share our enthusiasm for classic cinema… at the first ever TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.”

Robert Osborne, of The Hollywood Reporter and TCM’s primetime host, will be the official host of the festival.