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
Suffolk Heath
This wonderful film is a twitcher's delight and unique record of what are now, decades later, rare sightings of many birds including the stone curlew - or "thick knees".
From the collection of:
Overview
Made in 1950 by talented film maker and natural history enthusiast John Chear, these moving images capture the birdlife nestling in the sandy heathland of Dunwich near Westleton. The close ups and clarity of the birds in their natural habitat is the result, undoubtedly, of the filmmaker's patience, dedication and love of these special birds including sand martins, lapwings and the emergence of stone curlew chicks.
Hertfordshire based, John Chear was a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and the Linnean Society and made a number of films focusing on wildlife. John was assisted in the making of this film by the RSPB. In 1968, Dunwich became owned by the National Trust and continues today as a protected habitat and home to some special species of birds and wildlife.
Related
Watch for free
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
Watch for free
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Watch for free
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Watch for free
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
Watch for free
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
Watch for free
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.