The present invention relates to polyethylene films, and to processes for making films. In particular the invention relates to solid state stretched films that may be monoaxially or biaxially oriented. The processes can tolerate high draw ratios and lower extrusion pressures and amperes while producing films having high tensile strength and modulus as well as low shrinkage. The polyethylene used to make the films has a density of from 0.940 to less than 0.960, a molecular weight distribution of greater than 10, a melt flow index ranging from 0.30 dg.min to 1.00 dg/min and a weight average molecular weight of 300,000 or less.