The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Oyster Fishing at Brightlingsea
The big chill of the 1963 winter hits the subterranean Essex coast as oysters struggle to survive the freezing temperatures effecting our luxuries and livelihoods.
From the collection of:
Overview
With the coldest winter on record, the persistently low temperatures of early '63 was taking its toll on Essex oysters with many frozen into the ice. Anglia TV reports on the impact on the lives of Brightlingsea oyster fishermen, merchants and the traditional Oyster Feast.
Below 40 degrees, oysters won't eat. The 1963 season saw more than half a million oysters perish.
Related
Watch for free
Care in the Community - 'A Very New Idea' Care in the Community - 'A Very New Idea'
News 1964 11 mins Location: Colchester
Five elderly ladies, having received treatment for mental illness but with nowhere to go, now live together in an old house at Brightlingsea.
Watch for free
Five Minutes By The Sea At Clacton Five Minutes By The Sea At Clacton
Amateur film 1950 9 mins Silent Location: Clacton-On-Sea
The essence of a relaxed family holiday at Clacton, Essex in September 1950
Watch for free
The Yacht 'Elver' 1939 Part Two The Yacht 'Elver' 1939 Part Two
Amateur film 1939 18 mins Silent Location: Harwich Harbour
The escapades of the Harrison family, crew and guests on their yacht Elver in 1939 before the outbreak of World War Two.
Watch for free
The Yacht 'Elver' 1938 Part One The Yacht 'Elver' 1938 Part One
Amateur film 1938 16 mins Silent Location: Oulton Broad
Victor Harrison family film of the launching of the Yacht 'Elver' and its adventures at Oulton Broad, Brightlingsea, and West Mersea.
Watch for free
Bivalves Beware! Bivalves Beware!
Non-Fiction 1928 2 mins Silent Location: Brightlingsea
Gin, gingerbread and fresh oysters... a heady annual cocktail for the Mayor of Colchester as he opens the Colne Fishery
Watch for free
River Ride River Ride
Amateur film 1963 17 mins Location: Wivenhoe
On the Essex line from Wivenhoe to Brightingsea, Guard Proctor checks for tickets as passengers share the wonderful view of yacht racing on the River Colne from their carriage.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.