Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Ulster - Behind the Headlines
Will level headedness triumph? Hear how the peace and good neighbourliness of one town contrasts with the violence and tension prevalent elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
From the collection of:
Overview
Listen to the opinions of various professional men as they recount their experience of ‘The Troubles’ so far. The town seems relatively unscathed by the conflict and the overall impression is of a largely integrated and harmonious place. Despite the escalation of violence elsewhere, there is still hope that tensions will not disintegrate this community. Downpatrick’s level head approach is not unique. But will it be enough to ‘cool the hot tempers’ in the years to come?
Filmed in 1970, just two years before the first recorded fatalities in Downpatrick took place when a premature bomb explosion at the racecourse grandstand killed two members of the Provisional IRA. This material was produced by the Central Office of Information and comes from the BFI collection. This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.
Related
Green Cross Code - He's Great Green Cross Code - He's Great
Public Information Filler 1976 0 mins
David Prowse (the frame of Darth Vader) appears as the iconic Green Cross Code Man, heaping praise on a young GXC expert.
Coughs and Sneezes Coughs and Sneezes
Public Information Filler 1945 1 mins
One of Richard Massingham’s most famous public information films, which lead to the ubiquitous mantra: "Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases".
I Am a Litter Basket I Am a Litter Basket
Public Information Filler 1959 6 mins
A heartfelt cry on behalf of the world's litter-baskets.
Charley's Black Magic Charley's Black Magic
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1949 9 mins
Cartoon propaganda short sweetens the pill of post-war coal prices by promising jam tomorrow
Lonely Water Lonely Water
1973 2 mins
Terrifying public information film presenting the horrific consequences of playing in or near rivers, ponds and other water hazards.
Morecambe and Wise - Be Wise Don't Drink and Drive Morecambe and Wise - Be Wise Don't Drink and Drive
Public Information Filler 1963 1 mins
Ernie tells Eric to ‘be wise’ and not drive home after their Christmas party
Curragh to Iona Curragh to Iona
Documentary 1963 24 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Join a fearless crew on a spiritual maritime adventure from the shores of Derry to Iona.
County Down, A Tourist's Delight County Down, A Tourist's Delight
Travelogue 1955 8 mins Silent Location: Downpatrick
Picturesque scenery and leisurely activities galore, come see what County Down has to offer in this Tourist Board film.
Seaway To Northern Ireland Seaway To Northern Ireland
Travelogue 1969 22 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Welcome aboard the Ulster Queen; as excited holidaymakers travel from Liverpool to Belfast. From the mythological to modern discover what awaits those who cross the Irish Sea.
The Ceramicists The Ceramicists
News 1972 19 mins Location: Downpatrick
What passions burn behind doors in Downpatrick? Enjoy a tale of two unknown artists who have both found something they can truly call their own.
St Patrick's Day Pilgrimage Downpatrick (1959) St Patrick's Day Pilgrimage Downpatrick (1959)
Ceremony 1959 3 mins Silent Location: Downpatrick
A flock of pilgrims follow in the steps of St Patrick from his first church in Saul to his final resting place in Down Cathedral
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.