The much-loved Purbeck Film Festival is preparing to celebrate an impressive 30 years in 2026—and it’s kicking things off in style with a special anniversary event in one of Dorset’s most beautiful settings.
On Saturday 16 May, festival supporters and film lovers are invited to gather at Encombe House for a celebratory Afternoon Tea. Set within the lovely gardens, the event promises a quintessentially English experience, complete with a garden stroll and live entertainment from the Fingask Follies. It’s a fittingly atmospheric way to begin a year that honours three decades of cinema, community, and creativity.
Andrea Etherington, Chair of the Festival, describes the moment as a significant milestone—not just for the organisation, but for everyone who has supported it along the way. With thanks extended to hosts James and Arabella Gaggero, as well as the Dick Odgers Memorial Trust, the event sets the tone for a year of celebration rooted in place, partnership, and passion for film.
Since its beginnings in 1996, the Purbeck Film Festival has grown from a small, locally driven initiative into a distinctive cultural fixture in Dorset’s calendar. Originally founded to mark the centenary of cinema, the Festival brought together film enthusiasts, local organisations, and venues including the Rex Cinema and village halls, with a shared vision: to make film accessible, engaging, and enriching for the local community.
That first festival—modest in scale but ambitious in spirit—welcomed around 1,700 attendees across 21 screenings. Its success proved something important: there was a real appetite for cinema in rural Dorset, and a festival like this could thrive.
Over the years, the Festival expanded both in scale and reputation. It attracted acclaimed filmmakers and industry figures, introduced talks and discussions, and developed a programme that balanced independent cinema with crowd-pleasing favourites. By the early 2000s, it was hosting over 90 films and 140 screenings—its most ambitious programme to date.
Part of what makes the Purbeck Film Festival so unique is its sense of place. While traditional venues remain central, the Festival has become known for screening films in some of the region’s most memorable locations—from village halls to historic landmarks.
Its much-loved Cinema Under the Stars series, for example, brings outdoor screenings to iconic spots such as Corfe Castle and The Blue Pool, blending film with the natural beauty of the Isle of Purbeck. It’s this creative approach that has helped the Festival stand out, offering audiences something far beyond the traditional cinema experience.
The introduction of the Purbeck Short Film Competition in 2009 further strengthened its reputation, attracting thousands of entries from filmmakers around the world and providing a valuable platform for emerging talent.
Today, as it celebrates 30 years, the Festival is supported by a passionate community of volunteers and continues to evolve while staying true to its founding ethos.
Reflecting on the milestone, festival patron Sir Mark Rylance (see photo) described the Festival as “quite remarkable”, saying that at a time when many cinemas and festivals struggle to survive rapid technological change, small festivals like Purbeck are a “godsend for filmmakers” that help nurture the human heart of cinema.
The 30th anniversary year promises to be a memorable one, beginning with the Encombe House celebration and continuing with the Festival’s much-anticipated autumn programme.
Whether you’re a long-time supporter or discovering it for the first time, this is a perfect moment to get involved, enjoy exceptional cinema, and be part of a story that has been three decades in the making.
For tickets and more information, visit the official Purbeck Film Festival website.
