THE highly-anticipated Hollywood film Ammonite filmed around Lyme Regis is set to be one of the highlights of this year's Page to Screen festival.

It comes after the line-up of films for this year's festival was announced.

Ammonite, starring Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, is based on the life of famed 19th century fossil hunter Mary Anning. It will be available to view from Saturday, April 24 at 7.30pm.

As reported, Bridport's Page to Screen - which celebrates the relationship between books and films - is taking place this year after an absence in 2020, but it will be online.

The event will take place from Thursday, April 22 to Saturday, April 24 and will see two film screenings a day along with a number of talks from industry professionals.

Ines Cavill from the Festival Committee: "We were gutted that last year's film festival had to be cancelled just before its launch. With Bridport's venues either closed or needing to use social distancing we didn't know when or how we would hold another Page To Screen until the Bridport Art Centre's technical coordinator Jonty Gray installed new streaming equipment.

"We love the experience of watching films together on the big screens - and then talking about them in the bar - but this is a great substitute for this year. We can't wait to enjoy the programme of six outstanding recent adaptations plus speaker events with the festival's audience, and it's exciting to know we can be joined by film fans from all over the UK."

Page to Screen was founded in 2009 by Bridport Arts Centre, and was routinely hosted there before the pandemic.

Other screenings this year include The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins, a poignant tale of ageing defiantly, which will be available from 7.30pm on Friday, April 23.

The Mauritanian, starring Tahar Rahim, Jodie Foster and Benedict Cumberbatch, will be available from 7.30pm at Thursday, April 22. The film is based on the true story of Mohamedou Ould Slahi and his fight for freedom after being detained and imprisoned for years without charge in Guantánamo Bay. It is an adaptation of 'Guantanamo Diary', the memoir of Mr Slahi.

Following the screening, Page to Screen curator Edith Bowman will be in conversation with Mr Slahi, along with the film's director, Kevin Macdonald.

Oliver Sacks, based on the writings of the titular character, will be available to view from 5pm on Saturday, April 24. Oliver Sacks was one of the most influential popular neuroscientists of modern times, often using stories to illustrate and unpick aspects of the human condition.

Brian Walsh's 'teenage euphoria', Beats, will be available to view from 10.30pm on Friday, April 23. The film places audiences in Scotland in 1994, during the 'last great British youth movement', the 90s rave scene.

There will also be a sixth film available over the weekend, yet to be announced.

To view all six films, virtual attendees can buy a £20 festival pass, which gives access to festival screenings.

For more information, visit www.frompagetoscreen.info/