Film archive goes Beyond the City
Date Posted: August 25, 2016
Beyond The City, an initiative set up as part of the British Film Institute (BFI) Britain on Film project, aims to present films to audiences about rural life and traditions.
The project highlights selected treasures from regional and national film archives: unseen gems and classic films screened in unusual venues accompanied by special archive compilations and a range of informative talks.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive, National Museums Northern Ireland, the British Film Institute, Belfast Film Festival and FilmHubNI.
Francis Jones, Archive Education Officer, Northern Ireland Screen said: “Working alongside FilmHubNI and National Museums Northern Ireland has allowed us to create an unforgettable film-going experience; one that combines material from our Digital Film Archive, guest speakers and unique settings.
“There are many depictions of rural life in the Digital Film Archive, including portrayals of quaint customs, friendly locals, and beautiful green scenery. In contrast to that, the archive also offers a representation of strange societies, folk lore and pagan rituals.”
Hugh Odling-Smee from FilmHubNI commented: “With Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast Film Festival and Film Hub Central East in Nottingham, we are able to deliver events across Northern Ireland focusing on the intersection between rural life and archive film.
“Life in Northern Ireland has changed so much, even in the last 30 years, and filmmakers documented much of that change. For FilmHubNI and Northern Ireland Screen this is an opportunity to see those archives interpreted and enjoyed on a big screen.”
There are a number of special screenings taking place over the coming few weeks including two films at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, a screening at the Ulster Aviation Society and an outdoor broadcast of The Wicker Man at the Giant’s Ring on 17th September.
On 15th and 16th September, artist Phil Hession will present newly commissioned work at the Marble Arch Caves. Singers Gabriel McArdle and Rosie Stewart will join Phil and the audience on a musical and cinematic tour of the cave system. Tickets are limited for these performances and are expected to sell quickly.
The project returns to Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in September with two screenings of the thrillers The Lady Vanishes (29th September) and The Taking of Pelham 123 (30th September) at the Rail Gallery.
Keep up to date with all the above mentioned events on the Northern Ireland Screen website, Twitter and Facebook pages.
