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 currently unavailable
Sudbury, Suffolk and District
Sudbury is steeped in history as a market town and in the wool and weaving industry. But its main claim to fame is as birthplace and inspiration to Thomas Gainsborough.
From the collection of:
Overview
The commentary on this film provides a very detailed history lesson on Sudbury and some of the surrounding villages mentioning its Domesday Book reference and its importance as a Market Town. Indeed, the opening shots of the Market Place show the gridlock of 5 buses including 3 double deckers - a sight which is but a distant memory now. Local reporter and film enthusiast, Richard Burn, produced this informative publicity film for his town.
We're taken on a grand tour of the town and outlying villages, some of which are described as "the prettiest villages in England". Thankfully, Chelsworth, Middleton, Kersey, Monks Eleigh, Cavendish and Clare Priory have changed little since the mid 60s and retained their special charm.
Related
Watch for free
Sudbury Market (About Women Anglia TV series) Sudbury Market (About Women Anglia TV series)
Factual TV 1973 7 mins Location: Sudbury
In Sudbury, Suffolk, traders and customers shows it's not just bargains but entertainment and personal contact drawing them to the street market rather than the supermarket.
Watch for free
Visit to Silk Factory in Sudbury, Suffolk Visit to Silk Factory in Sudbury, Suffolk
News 1976 3 mins Location: Sudbury
Silk of every colour is used inside an East Anglian factory where women weavers work to produce the world's finest textiles.
Watch for free
Anglia Reports - Railways Transport Special Anglia Reports - Railways Transport Special
Documentary 1982 24 mins Location: Norwich
1982 was a particularly bad year for rail commuters, with five weeks of rail strikes to contend with. Anglia Television asks, “What shall we do with the railways system?”
Watch for free
Showgirls is a Western Showgirls is a Western
Short documentary 2025 2 mins
In this mini video essay, BFI contributor Maha Al-Badrawi explains why Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a rhinestoned, stilettoed Western.
Watch for free
Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion Frederick Wiseman's High School - a discussion
Short documentary 2026 22 mins
Filmmaker Andrea Luka Zimmerman and curator Matthew Barrington discuss Frederick Wiseman’s High School with Sandra Hebron.
Watch for free
Hard, Cracked the Wind Hard, Cracked the Wind
Horror 2019 17 mins
A haunting with words is the lure between life and death for a young Cornish poet.
Watch for free
A Last Resort A Last Resort
Comedy 2022 17 mins
Rose is desperate to celebrate her 60th birthday in style, but her daughter Genevieve is struggling to ignore some recent tragic news about her mum.
Watch for free
Seagull Seagull
Horror 2022 6 mins
Seagull is a recovering drug addict who is about to have a very strange night on The English Riviera.
Watch for free
The Walk The Walk
Drama 2023 12 mins
Adeel Akhtar portrays a man on a weekly trek to his nearest JobCentre, entering a state of purgatory through barriers put in place by the system.