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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
What we're watching
Five in MillionsFive in Millions
Promotional197827 mins
From Cheshire to Cornwall, Lincoln to the Rhondda, a round-Britain tour via British Rail’s parcel service.
Ojumo Ti MoOjumo Ti Mo
Documentary201916 mins
Three years after their father passed, a family of four women come together through a series of phone calls spanning over three months.
The Bottom of the ListThe Bottom of the List
Documentary196827 mins Location: Wolverhampton
World In Action visits Wolverhampton for a hard-hitting report on race and housing.
Too Funny for WordsToo Funny for Words
Amateur film19504 minsSilent Location: Neath/Castell-Nedd
Haydn Ford, cartoonist of Neath, is here celebrated by a friend and amateur film-maker for whom he created a beautiful logo and title cards.
Pembrokeshire, My CountyPembrokeshire, My County
Documentary196027 mins Location: St Davids / Tyddewi
Lush travelogue painting a relaxing picture of the county, from Prescelly Hills and St. David's Cathedral to Caldy Island
ChesterChester
193310 minsSilent Location: Chester
From the Roman ruins to the Rows, two thousand years of history in Cheshire are introduced to a wider British public
Survivors GuiltSurvivors Guilt
Comedy20208 mins
A young recluse suffering from PTSD encounters a late-night commercial that promises him an unexpected and somewhat magical cure.
The Pied Pipers of HarlowThe Pied Pipers of Harlow
Performance196549 mins Location: Harlow
Listen to Harlow: the new town’s musical life from orchestras and choirs to jazz and pop.
The Open RoadThe Open Road
Travelogue200665 mins Location: Land's End
Startling colour photography of 1920s Britain imbues Claude Friese-Greene’s 1920s road trip around Britain.
Cycling Stunt ManCycling Stunt Man
Non-Fiction19743 mins Location: Gloucester
Gloucester's answer to Evel Knievel may not be able to afford a motorbike but he won't let that deter him...
Guinness - PlinthsGuinness - Plinths
Advert19761 mins
Pete and Dud prove to be stout football fans in this Guinness commercial recalling a great sporting moment - however fleeting.
The Tal-Y-Llyn RailwayThe Tal-Y-Llyn Railway
Amateur film194910 minsSilent Location: Talyllyn Railway
The engine ‘Dolgoch’ bumps and bounces its coaches – and two teapots - along the line from Tywyn Wharf Station to Abergynolwyn, before its closure in 1950.
Almost An AdultAlmost An Adult
Music video20198 mins
A conceptual film following musical artist Jords’ quest to serendipity. The Tree of Life’ is the cornerstone of the film as he battles to triumph through grief.
Dear PhiladelphiaDear Philadelphia
Documentary202028 mins
Three African American fathers unravel the incomparable partnership of forgiveness and community.
We Do What We CanWe Do What We Can
Drama20199 mins
We Do What We Can is a film that looks at one of the miracles in the journey of diaspora Africans.
Ojumo Ti MoOjumo Ti Mo
Documentary201916 mins
Three years after their father passed, a family of four women come together through a series of phone calls spanning over three months.
Pram Derby at TewkesburyPram Derby at Tewkesbury
News19571 minsSilent Location: Tewkesbury
Warning: contains images of men wearing nappies!
Papplewick Pumping StationPapplewick Pumping Station
News19766 mins Location: Papplewick
With brass polished and a good head of steam Papplewick's pumping station is a lasting legacy to Mariott Ogle Tarbotton.
The Strange Case of Penny AllisonThe Strange Case of Penny Allison
Training film/TV programme200218 mins
Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie as you've not quite seen them before: in a comedy training video for Britain’s National Blood Service.
Tracing the Spread of InfectionTracing the Spread of Infection
Documentary194923 mins
Doctors undertake forensic-style detective work to identify the origins of outbreaks, in the fascinating film from the early days of the NHS.
The British Way of HealthThe British Way of Health
Documentary197327 mins Location: London
A portrayal of the NHS which shows off the “marvellous” system to audiences around the world.
You and Your HealthYou and Your Health
Documentary197922 mins
The Community Health Council of Wales blows its own trumpet in myriad ways, including animation, to draw attention to their NHS advisory service.
Back to the CommunityBack to the Community
Documentary198629 mins Location: Bolton
Local authorities trial the Thatcher government’s new ‘care in the community’ initiative.
Organ Donor Card: Organ BoxOrgan Donor Card: Organ Box
19931 mins
An urgently filmed appeal for organ donation.
Featured collections
Black Eyes, Black Lives
A selection of exceptional shorts from filmmakers, curated by S.O.U.L Celebrate Connect founder Iyare Igiehon.
Virtual Pub Crawl
Fancy a swift half? This round of Britain's drinking establishments is on us.
Keep Fit
Let’s get physical! With over a century of exercise on film, this collection offers some high intensity viewing.