Scotland's Moving Image Archive at National Library of Scotland preserves over 100 years of Scottish filmed history reflecting 20th century social, cultural and industrial heritage. The films capture the lives of ordinary people across the generations and celebrate the achievements of Scottish based film-makers.
This film is part of Free
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_480x270/public/hero-images/b44c04a155c74b4ec029added03f2f89.jpg?itok=BxhG9gAf)
Broxburn Children's Gala Day 1925
The serious business of having fun at Broxburn Gala day 1925; a lovely local topical film with elaborate floats, solemn children in fancy dress, and some curious races.
From the collection of:
![Logo for Scotland's Moving Image Archive](/sites/default/files/styles/association/public/association-logos/NLS_moving_image_archive_CMYK_linear.jpg?itok=lCXaAIiU)
Overview
Having fun is a serious business at Broxburn Gala day 1925, in this lovely local topical film with elaborate floats, solemn children and wonderful 1920s fashions. Endure the hard stares of disgruntled fairies, nurses and Indians, and laugh at the boys in bunnets who jostle for position in front of the camera. Some curious races take place, including the bandsmen’s race, complete with all their instruments, and a formidable matrons’ race. A fun day for all the family!
Local topical films were made specifically to be shown to local cinema audiences, and were popular from the early days of cinema until the late 1950s. Local cinemas would film popular local events such as gala days, parades, local festivals and holidays, with a remit to get in as many close ups of faces in the crowd as possible. Hence the frequent use of the panning shot, very much the hallmark of the local topical, to maximise the audience who would be enticed into the picture hall a few nights later with the prospect of seeing themselves on the big screen. It would not be unusual for the film to conclude with a shot of the exterior of the cinema, or the event might be filmed with the sponsoring cinema in the background.
Related
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Shoot-Your-Shot-02.jpg?itok=KREdlpBS)
Shoot Your Shot Shoot Your Shot
Drama 2022 12 mins
An emotional stand-off takes flight, as teen best friends Ronit and Brennan come to terms with navigating that fuzzy feeling in their stomachs, all whilst learning to skateboard.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/%25E2%2580%258ELook-Like-You-02.jpeg?itok=2R3w9luT)
Look Like You Look Like You
Drama 2022 13 mins
While visiting the adoptive family of her eight-year-old biological son, Tara relays advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/Yellow-04.jpg?itok=Bt5NDkC8)
Yellow Yellow
Drama 2023 13 mins
In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil from a Talib shopkeeper and face a new future.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/NEHEMICH-02.jpg?itok=ba9fjUy4)
Nehemich Nehemich
Drama 2023 23 mins
Banished in a dilapidated village hut during her menstruation, a young girl waits to elope with her lover.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/1717526943-default-ovp-poster-image.jpg?itok=Fk8VLsGa)
Interview with Pam Cullen Interview with Pam Cullen
Inside Film 2020 53 mins
Interview with Pam Cullen who at 97 boasts an incredible career spanning over fifty years in the Indian film industry.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_32x18/public/hero-images/muscleqanda.jpg?itok=8sw22r7R)
Muscle - Exclusive Q&A Muscle - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 34 mins
Director Gerard Johnson talks Nia Child through the making of Muscle, an adrenalized drama that tears into the stereotypes of masculinity and male friendship.