Sir Mark Rylance Applauds Purbeck Film Festival's 30th Year

In a heartfelt tribute to the power of community cinema, Oscar-winning actor Sir Mark Rylance has hailed the Purbeck Film Festival as a "godsend" as it kicks off its 30th anniversary celebrations. On January 19, 2026, the Bridge of Spies star joined festival organizers in Dorset to launch the "pearl" anniversary of one of the UK’s longest-running rural film festivals.

Established in 1996, the festival has grown from a local two-cinema event into a sprawling cultural fixture that brings world-class cinema to village halls, church halls, and open-air venues across the Isle of Purbeck.

A "Godsend" in the Age of AI

Sir Mark, who is a resident of Purbeck and a longtime patron of the festival, used his keynote address to highlight the importance of physical gathering in an increasingly digital world. He specifically addressed the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the "isolating technology" of modern streaming.

"Quite remarkable when most cinema festivals and indeed cinemas themselves are struggling to survive the juggernaut of new technology," Rylance remarked. "Will cinema survive the isolating technology of AI—which puts the mind and knowledge before the heart and soul of what it is to be human?"

He praised smaller, rural festivals for being the "heart and soul" of the industry, offering a platform for independent filmmakers who imagine "something different than the mainstream world."

The 30th Anniversary Highlights

To mark three decades of cinematic excellence, the 2026 Purbeck Film Festival is expanding its programming beyond its traditional autumn slot:

• The Launch Event (May 16, 2026): A special pearl anniversary celebration and afternoon concert will be held at Encombe House, featuring tea, cake, and performances by the Fingask Follies.

• Cinema Under the Stars: The popular outdoor screenings at Corfe Castle will return this summer, featuring a mix of modern blockbusters and timeless classics.

• The Main Festival (Oct 16 – Nov 1, 2026): The signature autumn event will span 16 days, featuring scores of UK and international films across various unique venues in the Dorset countryside.

A Message of "Heart Change"

Rylance, who recently completed the final season of the BBC’s Wolf Hall, noted that his own heart has been "broken and healed many times" by the films he has watched over the last 65 years. He urged the public to support the festival not just for the entertainment, but for the collective experience.

"When we share a story as a group... how much more fulfilling it is than on our own, and how much more powerful for the heart," he concluded.

Joining Rylance in his praise was award-winning screenwriter Olivia Hetreed (Girl with a Pearl Earring), also a patron, who described the festival as being "old enough to know its own mind, but young enough to be fresh and original."

Source - https://purbeckgazette.co.uk/news/sir-mark-rylance-applauds-film-festival-in-30th-year/

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