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Explore archive films
See shorts and features, showing the best from the BFI, national and regional archives - including 120 years of Britain on film
What we're watching
Mark Kermode Online In 3D with Kathleen Turner, Henry Blake and Julien TempleMark Kermode Online In 3D with Kathleen Turner, Henry Blake and Julien Temple
Discussion programme202030 mins
The funniest, best loved and most respected film critic in the UK talks to an array of guests from the world of film including Kathleen Turner, Henry Blake and Julien Temple.
True Romance, Etc.True Romance, Etc.
Documentary198233 mins Location: Hackney
Hackney teenagers - black, white, gay and straight - talk sex, love and marriage in this compelling drama-documentary.
Family TreeFamily Tree
Animation & Artists Moving Image19886 minsSilent
Green fingers produce blue hands. A surreal, brooding animation from a future Oscar winner
Saturday FeverSaturday Fever
Cinemagazine19619 mins Location: Tottenham
A snapshot of Saturday afternoon football watched by thousands of adoring fans, plus contrasting scenes of Southport and Spurs players in training.
This TownThis Town
Documentary19698 mins Location: Halifax
An impressionistic portrait of Halfax from 1969, focusing on the demolition of factories and the continuing deprivation in the town.
Is Everybody Listening?Is Everybody Listening?
Documentary194819 mins
Enjoy the sounds - and sights - of American public radio in 1948. From soap operas and game shows to political debates and classical music concerts, all human life is here.
Survivors GuiltSurvivors Guilt
Comedy20208 mins
A young recluse suffering from PTSD encounters a late-night commercial that promises him an unexpected and somewhat magical cure.
The Pied Pipers of HarlowThe Pied Pipers of Harlow
Performance196549 mins Location: Harlow
Listen to Harlow: the new town’s musical life from orchestras and choirs to jazz and pop.
The Open RoadThe Open Road
Travelogue200665 mins Location: Land's End
Startling colour photography of 1920s Britain imbues Claude Friese-Greene’s 1920s road trip around Britain.
Cycling Stunt ManCycling Stunt Man
Non-Fiction19743 mins Location: Gloucester
Gloucester's answer to Evel Knievel may not be able to afford a motorbike but he won't let that deter him...
Guinness - PlinthsGuinness - Plinths
Advert19761 mins
Pete and Dud prove to be stout football fans in this Guinness commercial recalling a great sporting moment - however fleeting.
The Tal-Y-Llyn RailwayThe Tal-Y-Llyn Railway
Amateur film194910 minsSilent Location: Talyllyn Railway
The engine ‘Dolgoch’ bumps and bounces its coaches – and two teapots - along the line from Tywyn Wharf Station to Abergynolwyn, before its closure in 1950.
Dear PhiladelphiaDear Philadelphia
Documentary202028 mins
Three African American fathers unravel the incomparable partnership of forgiveness and community.
We Do What We CanWe Do What We Can
Drama20199 mins
We Do What We Can is a film that looks at one of the miracles in the journey of diaspora Africans.
Ojumo Ti MoOjumo Ti Mo
Documentary201916 mins
Three years after their father passed, a family of four women come together through a series of phone calls spanning over three months.
Pram Derby at TewkesburyPram Derby at Tewkesbury
News19571 minsSilent Location: Tewkesbury
Warning: contains images of men wearing nappies!
Mark Kermode Online In 3D with Riz Ahmed, Aleem Khan, Joanna Scanlan, Tricia Tuttle and Ben WheatleyMark Kermode Online In 3D with Riz Ahmed, Aleem Khan, Joanna Scanlan, Tricia Tuttle and Ben Wheatley
Discussion programme202045 mins
Mark takes a look back at the 2020 BFI London Film Festival, speaking to Festival Director Tricia Tuttle about the challenges of this year and chatting to the creators of two of the Festival’s most talked about titles: Mogul Mowgli and After Love.
Papplewick Pumping StationPapplewick Pumping Station
News19766 mins Location: Papplewick
With brass polished and a good head of steam Papplewick's pumping station is a lasting legacy to Mariott Ogle Tarbotton.
The Strange Case of Penny AllisonThe Strange Case of Penny Allison
Training film/TV programme200218 mins
Imelda Staunton and Hugh Laurie as you've not quite seen them before: in a comedy training video for Britain’s National Blood Service.
Tracing the Spread of InfectionTracing the Spread of Infection
Documentary194923 mins
Doctors undertake forensic-style detective work to identify the origins of outbreaks, in the fascinating film from the early days of the NHS.
The British Way of HealthThe British Way of Health
Documentary197327 mins Location: London
A portrayal of the NHS which shows off the “marvellous” system to audiences around the world.
You and Your HealthYou and Your Health
Documentary197922 mins
The Community Health Council of Wales blows its own trumpet in myriad ways, including animation, to draw attention to their NHS advisory service.
Back to the CommunityBack to the Community
Documentary198629 mins Location: Bolton
Local authorities trial the Thatcher government’s new ‘care in the community’ initiative.
Organ Donor Card: Organ BoxOrgan Donor Card: Organ Box
19931 mins
An urgently filmed appeal for organ donation.
Featured collections
Mark Kermode Online In 3D
Mark Kermode's hugely popular film discussion show is now available on BFI Player.
Making and Doing
Get crafty, avoid boredom: why not take up a new hobby from the comfort of home?
Black Eyes, Black Lives
A selection of exceptional shorts from filmmakers, curated by S.O.U.L Celebrate Connect founder Iyare Igiehon.