Well known for films including American Beauty, Skyfall and 1917, Sir Sam Mendes is to be the star guest at the opening of the Purbeck Film Festival.
The British theatre and film director will launch the two week film festival on Friday 18th October 2024 at The Mowlem in Swanage, with a special screening of the World War One film 1917, which was inspired by a story told to Sam Mendes by his grandfather.
The Mowlem in Swanage will host star guest, theatre and film director Sam Mendes
Special screening
The Purbeck Film Festival which runs from Friday 18th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024 will show a record breaking lineup of 95 films at locations across Purbeck including Durlston Castle, Swanage Waterworks, Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, The Rex at Wareham and village halls at Langton Matravers, Harman’s Cross, Studland, Corfe Castle and Church Knowle.
At the special screening of the award-winning film 1917, Sam Mendes will join Mark Cosgrove from the British Film Institute (BFI) to answer questions and give insights into the making of the film and his wider career.
Purbeck Film Festival was established in 1996 with the aim of bringing a rich variety of cinematic experiences to Purbeck
“Fostering a sense of community”
Sam Mendes said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be able to lend my support to the brilliant Purbeck Film Festival this year.
“Film festivals like this are increasingly important for fostering a sense of community, and for keeping the cinema-going experience alive. I look forward to seeing you there!”
Also to be shown during the fortnight festival will be Sam Mendes’ latest film Empire of Light starring Olivia Coleman and Micheal Ward.
The screening of the romantic drama set in the 1980s in a dilapidated art deco theatre will be at Harmans Cross village hall from 7.30 pm on Tuesday 29th October 2024.
As part of an evening exploring the role of stunt performers, the James Bond film Spectre directed by Sam Mendes will be shown at The Mowlem on Saturday 2nd November 2024.
Chair of the Purbeck Film Festival Andrea Etherington
“Tremendous honour”
Chair of the Purbeck Film Festival Andrea Etherington said:
“Having a filmmaker of Sam Mendes’ calibre attend our festival is a tremendous honour.
“His participation not only elevates our festival but also provides a unique opportunity for our audience to gain a deeper understanding of his work and the film industry world.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome him and to share this experience with our community.”
The festival concludes on Sunday 3rd November 2024 with a Purbeck short film competition at The Mowlem – an interactive evening where the audience and judges vote for their favourite short films.
Watch 1917 film trailer
Further information
- Tickets for the exclusive screening of 1917 and the Q and A session with Sam Mendes are available via the festival’s website
- More about all the films to be shown during the Purbeck Film Festival
