National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is currently unavailable
Swansea - panorama and pastiche
Swansea’s librarian records his town with affection as it arises in modern form from the ashes of WWII, but the new market still offers an old favourite – freshly-made Welsh cakes.
From the collection of:
Overview
Leslie M Rees, Swansea's Chief Librarian, compiled this film from footage he shot in Swansea over a period of years, adding a commentary spoken by himself. He had wanted to record Swansea rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the blitz of 1941 and to show how modern planning was creating a better designed town. He also felt that film could be a means of promoting the town as a holiday destination and so set himself the task of showing viewers “why we love our town so well”.
Related
Watch for free
The Artist in Wales The Artist in Wales
Documentary 1978 32 mins Location: Swansea/Abertawe
Where would a world of movers and shakers be without the makers and soul-feeders? Long live the poets and musicians, artists and performers!
Watch for free
Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938 Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938
Amateur film 1938 15 mins Silent Location: Swansea/Abertawe
After the parade, controlled by gauntlet-wearing commissioners, captains and pack leaders, the 'Brownie Gallop' offers some light relief.
Watch for free
Mabolgampau Yr Urdd Abertawe, 1933 Mabolgampau Yr Urdd Abertawe, 1933
Amateur film 1933 11 mins Silent Location: Swansea/Abertawe
The Vetch Field stadium in Swansea is occupied by Urdd Gobaith Cymru – The Welsh League of Hope – for 2 days of mass gymnastics in June 1933.
Watch for free
Ingot Pictorial No. 21 Ingot Pictorial No. 21
Promotional 1954 23 mins Location: Swansea/Abertawe
Experience 150 years of rail transport at Mumbles, enjoy the red sails of Abbey Works’ boat club, watch Sterling Moss discover the steel industry’s impact on racing cars.
Watch for free
Great Western Ports Great Western Ports
Industry sponsored film 1929 86 mins Silent Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
"Any Ware to Anywhere" - a film advertising the thoroughly modern merits of the Great Western Railway ports (e.g. Cardiff, Newport, Barry, Port Talbot, Swansea, Fishguard).
Watch for free
Christmas 1952 Santa Claus Comes to Craig Cefn Parc Christmas 1952 Santa Claus Comes to Craig Cefn Parc
Amateur film 1952 4 mins Silent Location: Craig-cefn-parc
Santa Claus – wearing the traditional robes and a black mask – arrives in the village of Craig Cefn Parc, near Clydach, Swansea, with a horse-drawn sleigh full of presents.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.
Watch for free
Edgar Wright on The Running Man Edgar Wright on The Running Man
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces.
Watch for free
Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Richard Linklater Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 69 mins
Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.
Watch for free
Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Daniel Day-Lewis Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 73 mins
Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.