Snowflake campaigners have been blasted for trying to force a film festival to axe a charity screening of Zulu because they think it's racist.

Protesters are demanding the 1964 war epic be pulled from the charity festival, which aims to raise money for an armed forces charity.

The 1964 classic, which stars Sir Michael Caine, will be aired at Folkestone's Silver Screen Cinema, in Kent, on Saturday to raise cash for SSAFA.

The 1964 classic Zulu, which stars Sir Michael Caine (pictured in the movie, right), will be aired at Folkestone's Silver Screen Cinema, in Kent, to raise cash for armed forces charities

An open letter signed by 28 people was sent to the mayor of the seaside town.

It read: 'We wholeheartedly support the efforts being made to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity.

'But we believe that the choice of the film Zulu, with its inaccurate portrayal of historical events and its distortions and racist overtones, could have a negative effect on relationships within the changing and richly diverse communities here in Folkestone.'

An open letter signed by 28 people was sent to the mayor of the seaside town saying the movie has 'racial overtones'. Pictured: Caine made his on screen debut in the war epic

Sir Michael Caine made his on screen debut in the war epic, which also starred cinematic greats Richard Burton and Stanley Baker.

The film is based around the 1879 Battle of Rorke's Drift, which involved a skeleton crew of hero soldiers from The 24th Regiment of Foot.

Around 150 British soldiers defended the farmhouse from around 4,000 Zulu warriors for two days during the Anglo-Zulu War.

They were awarded 11 Victoria Crosses for their efforts.

But in the open letter, 28 people took issue with the movie's 'factual inaccuracies' and 'racial overtones'.

Many locals branded the letter 'ridiculous' and called it 'political correctness gone mad'

It said: 'The so-called epic story of "honour courage and pride" portrayed is far from the truth about what really happened.

'This film glorifies the myth that was created in 1879 after the humiliation of the British military defeat at the battle of Isandlwana.

'The Battle of Rorke's Drift was, in reality, little more than a footnote after a far more important, and far more gory battle earlier in the day, 11 miles away at Isandlwana.'

Many locals branded the letter 'ridiculous' and called it 'political correctness gone mad.'

One said: 'What on Earth is going on with this country? It's ridiculous people that moan about a charity screening of Zulu. It's political correctness gone mad. They have nothing better to do than moan about a 55-year-old film.'

Another said: 'Anyone who's name is on that petition should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

'This degree of idiotic virtue signalling marks them out as lefties of the worst kind.'

A third added: 'I know each new generation wants to re-write the past, but it's just an endless onslaught these days.'

Organisers said the showing will go ahead in Folkestone's Silver Screen Cinema (pictured) despite the open letter

The campaigners are also pushing organisers Bigger Boat Pictures to cancel the screening - but to no avail.

In a statement on its website, the pop-up cinema company said: 'We're delighted to announce a special screening of Zulu ahead of Armed Forces Day with proceeds going to SSAFA - The Armed Forces Charity - a winning outcome for all serving members and former members of all ranks of the armed forces and their dependants.'

Organiser Tom Langlands said: 'Come and see this rare screening of Zulu on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 30th June, help raise funds for SSAFA.

'Make up your own mind whether this is a timeless tale of courage, honour and pride or a product of yesteryear that has no currency and should be banned.

'Everyone is welcome to attend and express their own opinion before and after the screening.'