The first trailer for the much-anticipated Empire of Light movie has been released.

Much of the film - directed by Sam Mendes - was shot in Margate, with Dreamland's former cinema transformed into a stylish retro picturehouse.

Little is known about the film's plot, however the teaser suggests it will be a love story set in and around a cinema during the 1980s.

The trailer - released by Searchlight Pictures - is narrated by Toby Jones, who plays a film projectionist.

Main stars Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward will play lovers whose story looks entwined with the Empire cinema.

The one-minute 13-second teaser also shows troubles and issues will impact the romance.

The movie's production created a huge buzz in Margate - and provided a £4 million boost to the town's economy.

Eddie Kemsley, CEO at Dreamland said: "The teaser trailer is fantastic. We were all so thrilled that Sam Mendes, Neal Street Productions and Searchlight Pictures chose our great town and of course, our beautiful old cinema building at Dreamland, to play such a central role.

"We can’t wait until we can see the film when it is released in the UK.

"It’s a testament to Margate and the wider county that we can attract such high calibre productions, which not only significantly contribute to the economy, but also help to highlight British gems such as Dreamland to a worldwide audience."

When filming started in February, Marine Terrace was strewn with fake snow and hung with festoon lights between Nayland Rock and the Turner Contemporary, turning it into a picture postcard.

A 20,000 sq ft sound stage was installed at Dreamland for the three-month shot, while the main sands and a host of surrounding roads were also used for scenes.

Empire of Light is set to debut at the BFI London Film Festival on October 12.

Its UK cinema release will then come later down the line, on January 13 next year - just in time for awards season.

Colin Firth also stars in the film, which has been shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Roger Deakins who won acclaim for his work on Mendes' 1917.

Empire of Light is the director's first solo outing as screenwriter.