The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Rhubarb
Yorkshire’s long and proud history of rhubarb cultivation is rejuvenated and protected in this insightful news piece.
From the collection of:
Overview
This illuminating film examines Selby’s impassioned defence and preservation of Yorkshire rhubarb cultivation. In the first half of the film, we are shown and informed of the many ways that Selby is modernising their cultivation of the vegetable to appeal to shopkeepers and families. Following this, a senior staff member at the station delivers a heartfelt call-to-arms to protect UK rhubarb.
Despite rhubarb being native to Siberia, West Yorkshire is well-known for its production of rhubarb. The ‘Rhubarb Triangle’ encompasses Wakefield, Morley and Rothwell. During the peak of the county’s rhubarb cultivation, Yorkshire produced 90% of the world’s winter forced rhubarb. In 2010 the European Commission protected the cultivation of rhubarb in Yorkshire to ensure that the practice continues in the area well into the future.
Related
Watch for free
Selby Gala '81 Selby Gala '81
Amateur film 1981 17 mins Location: Selby
Outdated gender stereotypes aside, this detailed and well-made film captures the profound competitiveness of locals at the Selby Gala.
Watch for free
The Cass Family, Selby, One The Cass Family, Selby, One
1936 16 mins Silent Location: Selby
Evidence of a time when people commonly kept budgies in cages, did card tricks, went to Sunday school, raced motorcycles on Scarborough beach and were transported by A4 Gresleys.
Watch for free
Review 27th Year No. 12 Review 27th Year No. 12
Cinemagazine 1974 10 mins Location: Selby
Fascinatingly wrong 1970s predictions of how UK energy needs will be met in the future.
Watch for free
March against Starvation March against Starvation
Campaigning film 1936 31 mins Silent Location: Hyde Park
Poverty and hunger compels angry, jobless workers - including Jarrow's crusaders - to make a historic march to London to petition government.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.