This film is part of Free
Festival in London
Experience the futuristic delights on offer at London's South Bank during the Festival of Britain
Overview
How to show the essence of Britain? This record of the jewel in the crown of the Festival of Britain - the futuristic exhibition of art, science and manufacturing at London's South Bank - attempts to answer this question. From the scientific pioneers in the Dome of Discovery to modern art and sculpture and the pleasure gardens at Battersea, the displays celebrate the century of British ingenuity since the Great Exhibition of 1851.
For those unable to visit London, this film - made by the Crown Film Unit for the Central Office of Information - offered a breathless tour of the sights and sounds of the exhibitions.
Related
Opening of the New Lambeth Bridge Opening of the New Lambeth Bridge
Non-Fiction 1932 3 mins Silent Location: Lambeth
A newsreel record of the opening of the second Lambeth Bridge by King George V in July 1932.
Drills at Southwark and New H.Q. Drills at Southwark and New H.Q.
Amateur film 1936 7 mins Silent Location: Southwark
Ladders, fire engines and ropes are inspected, before we get a long look at the Fire Brigade’s new Lambeth HQ from the river.
Free Time Free Time
Documentary 1972 9 mins Location: Lambeth
A colourful look at how residents of Lambeth spent their evenings in the early 1970s.
Smog Smog
Government sponsored film 1956 10 mins Silent Location: Lambeth Br
With Cold-War style chemical kits at the ready, valiant volunteers sample a deadly London 'peasouper' in this fascinating 1950s research film.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.