ACCLAIMED actor and director Sir Mark Rylance praises a “remarkable” film festival as it gears up to mark its 30th anniversary.

The Purbeck Film Festival was established in 1996 with the aim of bringing a variety of cinematic experiences to the area.

Scores of films will be shown across Purbeck in the autumn, from cinemas and church halls to village halls and sports clubs, as well as several special events throughout the year.

Sir Mark, who is a patron of the festival, 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.

“Of course, cinema has survived the invention of sound, of tv and computers. 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 god send for film makers, 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 including outdoor summer events at local landmarks including Corfe Castle.

The main festival runs from October 16 to November 1 this year.