A film starring Timothy Spall will kick-off an annual film festival.

Mr Turner – a drama based on the final 25 years of the life of artist JMW Turner – is the first screening for this year’s Swale Film Festival at Swale Media Arts Centre in Sittingbourne High Street.

The week-long jamboree will run until Sunday (October 1) and will feature more than a dozen films for visitors to watch.

Mr Turner, at two-and-a-half-hours long, starts at 7pm tonight (September 25).

The drama originally premiered at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and saw Spall win the prize for Best Actor for his performance of Turner.

It was also nominated for four Oscars and four BAFTAs in 2015.

The plot revolves around Turner’s love for painting, but also explores the relationship he has with his housekeeper.

Spall is also known for his role as Wormtail in the Harry Potter franchise.

He also starred alongside Michael Sheen in The Damned United in 2009 when he played the assistant manager to Sheen’s Brian Clough, Peter Taylor.

The 66-year-old also featured in the ITV series Hatton Garden in 2019 alongside Kenneth Cranham.

The festival will be free for guests who are members of the Swale Media Arts Centre.

An annual ticket for one person will cost £10, with a year-long household ticket costing £18.

For students, retirees or the unemployed the fee is £5.

There will also be performances at The Avenue Theatre at Avenue of Rememberance in Sittingbourne.

Other films in the festival include The Bromley Boys, Straw Dogs and The Shouting Men, a drama which revolves around a group of GIllingham FC fans.

Those interested can find out more by calling 01795 471140.