This film is part of Free
Searching
John Krish’s haunting fire prevention film prowls through a carefully designed burned-out shell of a set.
Overview
The camera’s desperate prowl through a carefully designed wreckage of a set is meticulously planned and expertly executed for maximum impact. Consisting of a mere three tracking shots, joined by barely noticeable dissolves, and occupying a total running time of less than one minute, Searching hits viewers hard where it hurts: their primeval parental fear of their children predeceasing them.
Not for the first time, John Krish turned out a masterful bite-sized slice of ‘public service cinema’ (it is entirely apt to dub Searching ‘cinema’ even though its outlet was TV). It won for the COI a Venice Golden Lion and a Hollywood ‘Spike’ trophy. A generation later, it still hits hard and still hurts.
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
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean 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
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.