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Explore archive films
See shorts and features, showing the best from the BFI, national and regional archives - including 120 years of Britain on film
Britain on Film map
Watch thousands of beautifully preserved films, capturing our lives and our stories over 120 years. Search by location to find films about places that mean the world to you.
What we're watching
Sunshine in SohoSunshine in Soho
Documentary195632 mins Location: Soho
1950s Soho beats with far more energy than its 21st century counterpart in this vivid time capsule.
AberdeenAberdeen
School programme and Educational film197019 mins Location: Aberdeen
Explore the growth of Aberdeen’s sparkling streets in this lively and colourful educational documentary produced by Campbell Harper Films for the 'Cities of Scotland' series.
Chichester TourChichester Tour
Amateur film19627 minsSilent Location: Chichester
A fascinating film showing the cathedral city of Chichester before the arrival of its ringroad and the pedestrianisation of its Roman streets.
Changing Face of CamberwellChanging Face of Camberwell
Documentary196332 mins Location: Camberwell
Looking back at Camberwell's Victorian history, and forward to the future, this film captures the impact of changing architecture on local residents.
Day in LiverpoolDay in Liverpool
Travelogue192933 minsSilent Location: Liverpool
Metropolis meets Merseyside, as this city-symphony inspired film portrays a city thriving with modernity.
Belfast - No Way OutBelfast - No Way Out
Current affairs197027 mins Location: Belfast
What was life really like in 1970s Belfast? Beyond the Troubles, This Week talks to people in poverty struggling to cope in the city.
Christmas in BelfastChristmas in Belfast
Government sponsored film19772 mins Location: Belfast
Christmas in Belfast at the height of 'The Troubles'. Not the most wonderful time of year.
The Story of Minnie ClarkeThe Story of Minnie Clarke
Documentary198017 mins Location: Crossmaglen
Experience life in Crossmaglen by spending the day with Minnie Clarke.
Tram Rides through Nottingham (1902)Tram Rides through Nottingham (1902)
Non-Fiction19026 minsSilent Location: Nottingham
Filmmakers Mitchell and Kenyon conduct an evocative ride through Edwardian Nottingham.
PoacherPoacher
News19743 mins Location: Market Drayton
Belt tightening for Market Drayton's publicity seeking 'Merchant of Venison'.
Portsmouth's Charlotte Street MarketPortsmouth's Charlotte Street Market
Amateur film19776 minsSilent Location: Portsmouth
The colourful bustle of Portsmouth's oldest street market features in this 1977 film – where traders and shoppers mix under the brooding presence of the infamous Tricorn Centre.
Queen o' the BorderQueen o' the Border
Documentary194910 mins Location: Hawick
Welcome to Hawick, pronounced 'hoik' by the locals. Here it's all holidays and hosiery!
Sowerby BridgeSowerby Bridge
Factual TV19859 mins Location: Sowerby Bridge
Sowerby Bridge’s community work together to rejuvenate their neglected small town in this inspirational film filled with community spirit.
CalderdaleCalderdale
Factual TV19879 mins Location: Halifax
Halifax’s Calderdale Council inspires real and lasting positive change in the community through infrastructure investment in this film.
Haltwhistle Newspaper ClosesHaltwhistle Newspaper Closes
News19693 mins Location: Haltwhistle
The printing presses grind to a halt in Haltwhistle.
Woodlice RacingWoodlice Racing
News19783 mins Location: Brockhampton
Woodlice racing: a practice to improve fertility or an excuse for gambling?
Mediaeval Tournament at Hawarden ParkMediaeval Tournament at Hawarden Park
Home movie196815 minsSilent Location: Hawarden/Penarlâg
The grounds of Hawarden Castle lend themselves to jousting, archery and a hog roast but modern-day ice-creams and hot dogs are on offer too.
Railways on Film
Rail gave film all it could wish for: movement, energy, exotic adventure and its own special romance.
Darlington RailwayDarlington Railway
Documentary196013 mins Location: Darlington
A documentary ballad of the Darlington North Road locomen who keep the engines rolling as the age of steam gives way to diesel on the railways.
Fatal Train SmashFatal Train Smash
Non-Fiction19311 minsSilent Location: Linslade
The clean-up begins after a Royal Scot Class express passenger train derails near Leighton Buzzard
The Official Film of the Railway CentenaryThe Official Film of the Railway Centenary
Non-Fiction192519 minsSilent Location: Darlington
A grand parade of locomotives to celebrate 100 years of railways and the world’s first passenger trains
To Build an Island's FutureTo Build an Island's Future
Promotional19547 mins Location: Loughborough
Through blazing sun and monsoon rain new British built diesel locomotives keep communications open on the far off island of Ceylon.
Night MailNight Mail
Documentary193624 mins Location: Euston Sta
The flagship of the GPO Film Unit's output and a cornerstone of British documentary, featuring music by Benjamin Britten and the verse of W.H. Auden.
Ovaltine - TrainOvaltine - Train
Advert19851 mins
Ovaltina will pick you up! With an electronic 80s synth and a catchy theme tune, Ovaltina parachutes in to save the day
Featured collections
Musicals!
Want to escape our troubled times? Immerse yourself in the emotional, life-enhancing pleasures of the musical.
Robert Paul: Giant of Early Film
The most prolific filmmaker of the pioneer period of British film
Public Information Films
Stop! Look! Listen! For decades public information films have been educating, persuading and above all warning us of hidden dangers.