The North East Film Archive is one of a network of regional film archives established to collect, preserve and show film made in, or about the North East of England. Our collections are non-fiction, and date from the early 1900s to the present day, providing a rich record of life in the region over the 20th century. Many of our films are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Across the Causeway
Explore the remote and peaceful Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the northernmost part of England.
From the collection of:
Overview
A picturesque travelogue considers the ebb and flow of life on beautiful, remote Lindisfarne. Twice a day, the sea rises swiftly across the mile-long causeway from Beal, cutting off islanders, marooning the odd tourist, and beaching grey seals at low tide. A commentary tells of the past spiritual life of this Holy Island and notes the ruins of Victorian lime kilns, the plant ecology, and upturned keelboats as sheds, survivals from the prosperous years of herring fishing.
Along the Causeway was made by Derek Mathieson, who began shooting film at the age of eleven using a clockwork 8mm Kodak Brownie camera. Leaving school aged 15, he first worked at the Inverness Empire Theatre, learning the craft of theatre production including lighting design, and abandoned filmmaking for several years. He joined Darlington Cine Club in 1977 after attending a talk by the South Shields animator Sheila Graber at the club, and has since made over seventy holiday movies and short documentaries, including one on the Lily Laundry in Darlington where he then worked as an accountant and company secretary. Mathieson moved to video production in 1992.
Related
Watch for free
High Days and Holidays High Days and Holidays
Documentary 1986 26 mins Location: Holy Island
From holy days to holidays on the magical Northumbrian island of Lindisfarne.
Watch for free
Time and Tide Time and Tide
Documentary 1985 26 mins Location: Holy Island
The private face of a windswept island off the Northumbrian coast revealed by TV Mastermind presenter Magnus Magnusson.
Watch for free
A Taste of Northumbria A Taste of Northumbria
Amateur film 1979 16 mins Location: Holy Island
A tour of Northumberland that reminds us that what once protected us, now itself needs protecting, as does the surrounding wildlife.
Watch for free
County of Northumberland County of Northumberland
Amateur film 1963 19 mins Silent Location: Holy Island
The toe-dipping delights and tranquillity of the Northumbrian Riviera and beyond.
Watch for free
Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass) Alexandre Desplat (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2011 33 mins
Over 30 years and 150 projects, the composer shares, with humour and passion, the intricacies of making film music.
Watch for free
Ian Neil (Masterclass) Ian Neil (Masterclass)
Inside Film 2012 74 mins
Neil selected soundtracks for 127 Hours, Shame, Kick Ass, Control and many more. He discusses the job and its complexities, referencing his own work.
Watch for free
Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass) Barry Ackroyd (Masterclass)
2013 61 mins
British cinematographer of The Hurt Locker, Captain Phillips, Hillsborough and Riff Raff reviews the art of the moving image.
Watch for free
Lois Burwell on movie makeup Lois Burwell on movie makeup
Inside Film 2013 17 mins
Lincoln, Braveheart and Magnolia make-up artist Lois Burwell explains how she created some of her most iconic looks, as part of a BAFTA Masterclass.
Watch for free
Gabriel Yared on composing for film Gabriel Yared on composing for film
Inside Film 2013 11 mins
Composer of The Lives of Others, The English Patient and Betty Blue on intimacy and experimentation.
Watch for free
Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan Screenwriters' Lecture: Peter Straughan
Inside Film 2012 mins
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy's adapter reveals his quest for "the poem of the book" and the importance of simplicity: 'Drain the pond to find the fish'.