About the Purbeck Film Festival
The Purbeck Film Festival is one of the longest-running rural film festivals in the UK, dedicated to bringing a world-class cinematic experience to the heart of Dorset. By transforming village halls, historic theaters, and unique outdoor spaces into vibrant screening venues, we celebrate the power of independent and international film. Our mission is to enrich our local community through a diverse program that inspires, challenges, and entertains audiences of all ages.
Thirty Years of Cinema in Purbeck
Launched in 1996 to celebrate the centenary of cinema and boost local tourism, the festival began as a small initiative across historic venues like the Rex Cinema and the Mowlem Theatre. What started as a local celebration has since evolved into a registered charity that brings exceptional international film to over 30 unique locations, from clifftop castles to rural village halls. Over the years, we have been privileged to host legendary guests such as Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Sam Mendes, and members of the Fox acting dynasty, all of whom help us maintain a rich cinematic tradition in the heart of Dorset.
Our Patrons
The festival is honoured to be supported by a distinguished group of patrons from the world of stage and screen. Their advocacy highlights the festival’s commitment to cinematic excellence and helps us celebrate the power of independent, arthouse, and international film.
โI am so delighted to be part of a community that loves film, loves watching films together, loves the emerging or forgotten or unusual films as well as the very popular. Three cheers for the Purbeck Film Festival.โ – Sir Mark Rylance
Show Your Support
As a registered charity, we rely on the passion and dedication of our volunteers and supporters to keep the festival thriving. Whether youโre interested in joining our technical team, assisting with local events, or providing vital sponsorship, there are many ways to help us bring the magic of the big screen to our community. Your contributions directly fund our diverse educational programs and help maintain the high-quality equipment needed for our rural screenings. Every donation and hour of time gifted ensures that we can continue to celebrate independent cinema across Purbeck for years to come.
Purbeck Film Festival Trailers
Each year we are proud to present a new Purbeck Film Festival trailer.
Leanne Joy Lane produced our excellent 2024 & 2025 trailers, and Keith Lawes, our famous โflying ferryโ trailer from 2016.
Brochures from Previous Years
Meet the Team
The festival is a collaborative effort led by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide strategic oversight and ensure our mission as a registered charity is fulfilled.
Lady Cotton (President)
Sally Tattersall & Sarah Watson (Co-Chairs)
Claire Burns (Festival Director)
Festival Director
Claire Burnsย brings extensive experience directing global professional events across politics, medicine, and finance to her role overseeing all operations for the festival.
Committee
Alan Jones, a Westminster Journalist, focuses on press for the fesitval.
Lida Mutton Gordon
Pippa Punch is a Supervising Art Director in the film industry and helps shape the festival’s visual identity and special events programming.
Heather Ricks
Chris Southon, our treasurer, grew up watching movies from the 20s to the 50s, and still loves Hollywoodโs Golden Age. He also enjoys live music, theatre and standup, and is a keen walker- when he can find the time.
Sally Tattersall, a film fan and NHS medic, coordinates our volunteers and is co-chair Trustees and a member of the programming team.
Paul Taylor, Chair of Programming, is a cinephile with encyclopedic movie knowledge who leads the programming selection and oversees the Shorts Competition.
Sarah Watson is a storytelling enthusiast and facilitator who works in innovation. She is co-chair of Trustees focuses on funding for the festival.
Trustees
Andrew Bordiss is a functioning movie addict and Fleet Street survivor, rolling up his sleeve to champion three of his all-time favourite words: Purbeck. Film. Festival.
Bethan Hopkinsย is a film fanatic with deep experience in festival management, branding, tech, and immersive cinema production.
Pippa Punch
Louise Radinger
Chris Southon
Sally Tattersall
Sarah Watson