DORSET’S Oscar winner Julian Fellowes will be introducing his latest film at its premiere showing at Bridport’s Electric Palace next month.

From Time To Time, written and directed by Academy Award winner Mr Fellowes, will be screened on September 24, ahead of its general release, and audiences will get the chance to ask the writer and director questions.

From Time To Time was filmed at Athelhampton House, near Dorchester, and stars Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Hugh Bonneville and Pauline Collins.

It is a ghost story in two distinct worlds two centuries apart, linked by a war and a single family and the mysterious house they live in.

This will be Mr Fellowes’ second gala screening at the Electric Palace.

The premiere of The Young Victoria was held there in March last year.

Mr Fellowes said: “I’ve wanted to make this film since I was a child because I have been in love with the Green Knowe books from when I was first given them by an aunt at a very young age. I have always thought it would make a great film.”

He tried to develop the project several years ago, but it was only after winning an Oscar for his writing of Gosford Park that he was able to raise the finance.

Mr Fellowes said: “Since I was a child, I’ve been intrigued by the strange concept that whenever you live in a house there will be many, many people who have lived and died there before you.

“I had a fantastic team on this. Really, what we were trying to achieve was a contrast between the Regency, where there’s quite a lot of money, servants and wonderful clothes, all in brilliant colours, with marvellous lighting – all tremendously romantic, in permanent summer – with Christmas 1944.

“There you have the war when it’s winter and there isn’t much money and everything’s rather faded and muted.”

Tickets for the Gala screening for From Time To Time are on sale now for £25 from Bridport Tourist Information Centre on 01308 424901.

Doors open at 6.45pm with an introduction by Mr Fellowes at 7.15pm and the film starting at 7.30pm.

The Palace is also hosting a gala screening of Tamara Drewe on Friday, September 17, with writer Posy Simmonds and director Stephen Frears gracing the red carpet.

Tamara Drewe was filmed in Salway Ash, Dorchester, Beaminster and Yeovil and Posy Simmonds will introduce the film.

Following the screening, Stephen Frears will speak about the making of the film and complete the evening with a question and answer opportunity.

The doors open at 6.45pm, with the introduction by Posy Simmonds at 7.15pm.

Tickets for the screening are £30 each; to reserve one, phone Bridport TIC on 01308 424901.

All proceeds will support Pilsdon Community and Marie Curie Cancer Care.