Corfe Castle, Image courtesy of NatureHawk Photography

The Blues Brothers outdoor screening at Langham Wine Estate Dorset

JAWS_OUTDOOR_INEMA_2026_PURBECKFILMFESTIVAL

Paddington 2 outdoor screening at Corfe Castle Dorset

Wicked: For Good outdoor screening at Corfe Castle Dorset

Labyrinth outdoor screening at The Blue Pool Wareham Dorset

Sat 15th Aug
Langham Wine
Estate Sat 22nd Aug
Knoll House
Hotel Fri 28th Aug
Corfe Castle Sat 29th Aug
Corfe Castle Fri 4th Sept
Blue Pool

Introducing our 2026 Summer Season

Join us as we celebrate three decades of the Festival

A quote from patron, Sir Mark Rylance,
to mark the start of our 30 year celebrations.

how much more fulfilling it is than on our own, and how much more powerful for the heart?"

“When we gather inconveniently, inefficiently, in groups

...to enjoy great stories; when we share a story as a group…

Read the full statement here

A quote from patron, Olivia Hetreed,
to mark the start of our 30 year celebrations:

"What an achievement.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Purbeck Film Festival’s 30th year. Old enough to know its own mind, young enough to be fresh and original. Always a treasure trove of cinematic riches, with programming and venues to suit every taste."

Read the full statement here

Help our 30th Festival celebrations go with a bang by becoming a Enjoy discounted tickets to some of our most popular venues, invitations to Gala Events and much more! Show your support Friend of the Festival Superboys of Malageon - The Rex, Autumn Festival 2025

Purbeck Short Film Competition 2026

Now open for entry

REVISIT OUR 2025 PROGRAMME

Friday 17th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025

AUTUMN FESTIVAL

Sentimental Value
shown at the Mowlem Theatre
Thurs 30 Oct 2025

Thank you for your support at our 2025

Show your love and the support for the Festival

Buy a Festival Shopper

what's on

our story

The Purbeck Film Festival is supported by the BFI and its South West Regional Hub.

30 years of cinema in purbeck

The Purbeck Film Festival was founded in 1996 by a group of cinema enthusiasts working with Purbeck District Council and the Rex Cinema, to mark the centenary of cinema. What began with 21 screenings and an audience of 1,700 has grown into one of the UK’s most cherished rural film festivals.

Today, the Festival presents over 100 films across unique venues from village halls and Durlston Castle to outdoor screenings beneath the stars at Corfe Castle attracting an audience of 8,000 and welcoming distinguished guests including Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Mark Rylance.

THE PURBECK FILM FESTIVAL’S

TWO SEASONS OF CINEMA

SUMMER SCREENINGS 2026

Cinema Under the Stars!

15th August – 5th September

Each summer, the Purbeck Film Festival holds popular and affordable outdoor cinema screenings in iconic Purbeck locations. Our Cinema Under the Stars series has been running for many years, bringing films to some of the most beautiful settings in Dorset.

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AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2026

16th October – 1st November

Each October, the Purbeck Film Festival brings a diverse programme of films to unique venues across the Isle of Purbeck. From the intimate Rex Cinema in Wareham to Durlston Castle and village halls throughout the region, the Autumn Festival is a celebration of cinema in all its forms. This year is extra special as we’re celebrating 30 years since the Festival began in 1996.

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LATEST

NEWS AND REVIEWS

We Are Seeking Trustees for Our Film Festival

We’re now looking to welcome one or two new Trustees to join our Board and help shape what comes next.

All outdoor cinema films announced!

Outdoor cinema is coming to Dorset this summer. Jaws, Wicked: For Good, Labyrinth and more, at Corfe Castle, Knoll House, The Blue Pool and beyond. Book your tickets now.

FILM REVIEW: THE LISTERS

Released in 2025, The Listers follows brothers Owen and Quentin Reiser attempting a bird-watching “big year.” Humorous and inspiring, it celebrates perseverance.

FILM REVIEW: FLOW

Dennis Villeneuve, the director of the Dune franchise, once said that dialogue in films is unnecessary. I always disagreed with him, up until I watched Flow.

Behind the Student Short Film Winner ‘Michelle Is Feeling Subpar’

Last year’s festival ended with the Purbeck Short Film Competition, where AUB graduate Aaliyah Hussein’s stop-motion short ‘Michelle is Feeling Subpar’ captured the Judges’ hearts and won the student award.

Our 30th Festival Year Begins

Hear from our Patrons as we launch our 30th anniversary year.

Volunteering Opportunities with Purbeck Film Festival

We are seeking reliable volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about making our events a success.

INTRO BY GABRIELA COWPERTHWAITE

What drove Gabriela to make The Grab?

AND THE WINNER IS….

A packed Mowlem Theatre provided a fitting finale to this year’s Purbeck Film Festival last night, as audiences gathered for the much-anticipated Purbeck Short Film Competition.

FILM REVIEW: REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE

Seventy years on, Rebel Without a Cause remains fierce and unforgettable

Support the Purbeck Film Festival

The Purbeck Film Festival is a Registered Charity and survives through the support of volunteers, members and patrons – individuals like you. Our supporters play a vital role in supporting the UK’s oldest rural film festival, ensuring the screening of captivating and challenging films throughout Purbeck while backing aspiring filmmakers and local small communities.

Find out more