The picturesque landscape and charming villages of West Dorset will star on the big screen this September in Stephen Frears’ Tamara Drewe.

Filled with lust and humour and starring Gemma Arterton (Prince of Persia, Quantum of Solace) as the eponymous Tamara, the film is based on Posy Simmonds’ well-loved graphic novel, which in turn was inspired by Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd.

Tamara Drewe’s childhood home is being sold, and her return to the rural Dorset village where she grew up causes something of a stir. Having left as an awkward teenager she returns as a smouldering femme fatale with a glamorous job and a new nose, kicking up a storm of envy, lust and gossip wherever she goes. Torn between two lovers Tamara is the ultimate modern girl but her story of love and confusion is timeless.

Locations used in the film include Yetminster, Salwayash, East Chelborough, Holywell, Blackdown and Sherborne.

West Dorset District Council Leader Robert Gould said: “We are delighted that West Dorset was chosen for filming Tamara Drewe. We hope that the film will encourage more people to visit the district and enjoy the beautiful areas that it has to offer.”

The district council has teamed up with Momentum Pictures to give you the chance to win an exclusive screening of Tamara Drewe plus a copy of the graphic novel by Posy Simmonds.

For your chance to win go to www.dorsetforyou.com/tamaradrewe or send your name and address on a postcard marked Tamara Drewe competition to Tourism Team, West Dorset District Council, 58/60 High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1UZ.

Closing date to enter is 17 September 2010, full terms and conditions apply, see www.dorsetforyou.com/tamaradrewe for details.

The film also stars British actor Dominic Cooper (An Education, Mamma Mia!), Tamsin Greig (Cuckoo, Sean of the Dead) and Roger Allam (The Queen, The Wind that Shakes the Barley).

Director Stephen Frears and writer Posy Simmonds will return to Dorset for a special Gala screening on Friday 17 September at the Electric Palace in Bridport. Tickets cost £30 and are available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre.

The Gala will be in support of two local charities, Pilsdon Community Centre and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

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For more information, please contact:
	West Dorset District Council Stratton House 58-60 High West Street Dorchester Dorset DT1 1UZ	Or email us: custservices@ westdorset-dc.gov.uk Or call us: 01305 251010 Or fax us: 01305 251481