A POPULAR film festival returns for the first time in two years this week with 65 films to choose from.

The Purbeck Film Festival is back for the first time since 2019, after the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic, with two opening galas at the Rex Cinema in Wareham and the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage on Friday, October 22.

Korean sensation Parasite will also be shown on Friday at St Adhelm's Church in Poole, with the weekend being rounded out by the likes of Lawrence: After Arabia at the Mowlem Theatre on Saturday, October 23 and Best Picture winner at the 2021 Oscars, NomadLand on Sunday, October 24, also at the Mowlem Theatre.

The Purbeck Film Festival is known for its extra touches and insights into the film industry and this year's festival will see numerous special guests including British stage and screen actress Dame Harriet Walker, scriptwriter Olivia Hetreed, producer Andy Paterson, award-winning director Aisling Walsh who will speak about Coup 53, a documentary on an operation which overthrew the Iranian Prime Minister in 1953.

Andrea Etherington, chairman of the Purbeck Film Festival, said: “It is vital that we return with the festival this year as we haven’t run since 2019, and we hope that everyone will enjoy our carefully selected programme with something for everyone.

“The volunteer team have been working so hard on organisation behind the scenes in order that we can deliver a high quality and exciting event, and we invite you to visit our new, bright, fresh website where you can book all your films.

"Support from audiences this year is vital for our survival, like so many other arts venues and festivals, but we hope that making the 2021 festival happen will bring great culture, entertainment and a fantastic experience for Purbeck.”

Marlon Brando stars in two films that still remain amongst the highest rated on the list, A Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront. There will also be a selection of classic films, eight family films to choose from, a double bill of French cinema and a closing gala night featuring an on-stage remake of Alien.

Bookings for all films are open at www.purbeckfilm.com