THE award-winning Ilminster-based filmmaking charity Purple Field Productions will be holding a two-day fundraising art sale next month.

The sale will be outside the Tesco store in Ilminster on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18.

The idea for the sale came from PFP volunteer, Tony Smith, who thought that local artists might be willing to donate some of their art works to a local charity dedicated to making films – especially films that can change the lives of people in some of the poorest countries in the world.

The response from local Somerset artists has been magnificent and there will be over 50 artworks for sale – paintings, prints, wall hangings and photographs.

PFP is currently training young filmmakers in Sierra Leone who are about to shoot a music video to help people through the aftermath of the devastating Ebola epidemic that swept through their country.

The charity has also just completed a film drama in Kenya, which addresses the stigma and prejudice facing children with cerebral palsy.

Funds are needed for this work and also to buy more backpack, solar-powered cinemas that can be used to show the films in remote areas that have no electricity. Each kit costs £1,300.

A PFP spokesman said: “Raising funds for filmmaking is not easy but we are hoping that this unique sale will bring art to the people and the money it raises will be turned into films that help to make the world a better place to live in.”

The sale will also go to Crewkerne Museum on August 28-29.