Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Ulster Sails West
A patriotic take on the Ulster-Scot emigration to North America and how these "stubborn people" shaped America and its politics.
From the collection of:
Overview
Ulster Sails West explores Northern Ireland’s links with America. Inspired by Marshall’s Ulster Sails West (1943), the programme demonstrates the extensive influence of Ulster-Scots in various aspects of life in America. Telling the story of the quarter of a million Ulster Scots who “fled from persecution and poverty at home” the ballad takes us on a journey through their history. Presenter Charles Witherspoon’s narrative is illustrated by Rowel Friers’s paintings.
Friers was a political cartoonist, performer and painter. He strove to reflect political absurdities of Northern Ireland with impartiality, saying ‘I have no side in all of this. I just make fun of all the madness.’ A graduate of the Belfast College of Art he contributed to the arts throughout his life as President of both the RUA and Ulster Association of Drama Festivals. Part of the About Britain series, Ulster Sails West is courtesy of the UTV Archive.
Related
Kilroot Power Station Kilroot Power Station
Home movie 1981 3 mins Silent Location: Carrickfergus
Enjoy vertigo-inducing views from the top of Northern's Ireland's only coal-fired power station
The Fate of the Clyde Valley The Fate of the Clyde Valley
News 1974 8 mins Location: Carrickfergus
Monument or scrap? What fate will befall this controversial relic of Unionist violence and what do the people of Carrickfergus make of it all?
Holiday scenes: Carrey Family Film Holiday scenes: Carrey Family Film
Home movie 1939 2 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Join three generations of the Carrey family as they holiday during the last summer before the outbreak of World War II.
The Boat Train The Boat Train
Amateur film 1963 8 mins Location: Belfast
A picturesque journey on the boat train from Belfast to Larne to catch the Caledonian Princess by beloved Ballyclare filmmaker Archie Reid.
Summer Holiday Summer Holiday
Home movie 1961 8 mins Silent Location: Carrickfergus
Join the Carrey family as they entertain each other during a summer adventure around the north of Ireland.
Greenisland Rock Greenisland Rock
Amateur film 1982 22 mins Location: Greenisland
What has the youth of Greenisland turning Ted? Meet the people reliving the 1950s in the outskirts of 1980s Belfast.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.