Local film festival is 'godsend' for filmmakers

Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance has described an annual local film festival as a "godsend for filmmakers" looking to find inspiration for their next project.

The Purbeck Film Festival in Dorset was established in 1996 and is preparing to mark its 30th anniversary with screenings in cinemas, church halls, village halls and sports clubs throughout autumn.

Sir Mark, who lives on the Isle of Purbeck and is a patron of the festival, called the event's continued success "quite remarkable" in an industry embracing new technology.

The main festival runs from October 16 to November 1 but has been extended to include summer events at Corfe Castle.

Sir Mark, who won a Bafta and an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 2015 for his role in Bridge of Spies, is also an acclaimed director.

He said: "We are indisputably lovers of film as our Purbeck Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

"Quite remarkable when most cinema festivals and, indeed, cinemas themselves are struggling to survive the juggernaut of new technology."

Cinema has "of course" survived the invention of sound, TV and computers, he said, adding: "Will it survive the isolating technology of AI?

"Artificial intelligence, which puts the mind and knowledge before the heart and soul of what it is to be human?

"I know small festivals like ours are a godsend for filmmakers, often imagining something different than the mainstream world, as we all do who live on the beautiful Isle of Purbeck."

The festival began by showing films in two local cinemas but has grown to screen scores of UK and international films and welcomed Sir Sam Mendes as its newest patron in 2025.

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