National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Milford Fishermen
A rich past, a recession-hit present for Milford Haven's fishing industry, as commented upon by the trawlermen of the 'Picton Sea Eagle' who are seen on land and at sea.
From the collection of:
Overview
Once upon a time, Milford Haven was a thriving harbour with busy fishing industry as the late 1920s footage included in this film indicates. But now, despite the gruelling conditions faced by the trawlermen, the industry, as far as small scale ventures is concerned, is in decline and the crew and owners of the 'Picton Sea Eagle' may soon be history. Richard Watkins, the director/producer, referred to this film as an allegory of Wales and its people – they just about survive.
The new breed of super-efficient trawlers, the oil boom at Milford Haven and the town's perceived lack of interest in its fishing industry are what have done for them, so agree the managers and fishermen of the small scale trawler shown in this film. Documentary-maker, Richard Watkins, from Swansea, spent 2-3 weeks at sea with the fishermen, with the blessing of the owners – Norrard Trawlers – who welcomed a film that would highligh their predicament. Watkins included the 1920s film 'Trawling out of Swansea on the Tenby Castle' which was shot by Francis Worsley, a BBC radio producer who was living in Wales at the time (he became famous as the produer of the ITMA radio series during the Second World War).
Related
Watch for free
Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven
Home movie 1959 5 mins Silent Location: Fishguard/Abergwaun
Fishguard's carnival, Fairbourne's trains, Milford Haven's swimming pool: summer attractions filmed by Fishguard pharmacist J J Thomas.
Watch for free
Milford Haven Grammar School - lessons, dinners, play Milford Haven Grammar School - lessons, dinners, play
Amateur film 1958 2 mins Silent Location: Milford Haven/Aberdaugleddau
A day in the life of the Milford Haven Grammar School: food for the mind, nourishment for the body and enough play to keep Jack and Jill bright.
Watch for free
Modern Wales Modern Wales
Industry sponsored film 1958 14 mins Location: Treforest Industrial Estate
A stirring hymn to Wales' postwar industrial renewal
Watch for free
Milford Haven Milford Haven
Documentary 1947 14 mins Location: Milford Haven/Aberdaugleddau
Quaker whalers from Nantucket found a town in Wales at the invitation of Sir William Hamilton (husband of Nelson’s Lady Emma), who provides the land.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.