This film is part of Free
Modern Wales
A stirring hymn to Wales' postwar industrial renewal
Overview
The dragon rises in this stirring hymn to Wales' industrial renewal. From its pastoral roots through industrial expansion in coal, iron and steel to contemporary advancements in atomic energy, Wales' industrial achievements become a symbol for the success of Britain. This is one of hundreds of films sponsored by the Central Office of Information to promote Britain overseas and encourage international trade in the postwar era.
The interwar years saw a sharp decline in Wales' economy and by the end of WWII its once thriving export trade was moribund. But as the film shows, by broadening its base to incorporate lighter industries - starting with the formation of the Treforest Industrial Estate near Pontypridd, and the expansion into petrochemicals at Milford Haven - the people of Wales, "at once practical and imaginative, poetic and hard-headed", can enjoy prosperity anew.
Related
Rhondda and Wye Rhondda and Wye
School programme and Educational film 1948 20 mins Location: Builth Wells/Llanfair-Ym-Muallt
The clear waters of the River Wye and the rural areas it flows through offer a stark contrast to the industrialised Rhondda where the River Taff runs black with coal dust.
Wales Wales
School programme and Educational film 1957 15 mins Location: Llanberis
The effect of geography on the economy of Wales and the effect of tradition and culture on the Welsh people
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.