AN ILMINSTER charity that supports communities in Asia and Africa with their films is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Purple Field Production is marking the milestone on Friday, May 10 with all their supporters.

The charity grew out of a simple idea: that filmmaking is a powerful tool for communities around the world to tell their own stories.

It began 20 years ago when a British charity worker, Elspeth Waldie, was in Bangladesh. There, she was asked to make a feature film aimed at tackling superstition around disability.

It was a huge hit and led to the birth of a new charity focused on providing independent filmmakers in Asia and Africa with the training and resources to produce documentaries, drama, and educational content in their own languages.

Today, with an impressive back catalogue of award-winning films, Purple Field Productions is building on its success by harnessing the opportunities of the digital age.

As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the charity is looking to drive an even bigger impact to create positive change.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “The celebration is at the Archie Gooch Pavilion in Ilminster at 7pm on May 10.

“It’s our way of showing appreciation for all the people in the community who’ve supported us over the last 20 years.

“It’s pretty amazing that this little corner of Somerset has made this wonderful, lasting connection with people in countries like Sierra Leone and Malawi.

“Some of our supporters have also ended up volunteering with the charity abroad.”