Free
Most Popular Free 2016
Our national fabric has many threads and deep colour. Each year, it gets more vivid and popular…
Here are the most popular free films on BFI Player during 2016.
The Farm on the MotorwayThe Farm on the Motorway
Documentary 1983 26 mins Location: Booth Wood
Life in the fast lane, as thousands roar past every day wondering why there is a farm in the middle of a motorway, and why anyone would live there.
Christmas in BelfastChristmas in Belfast
Government sponsored film 1977 2 mins Location: Belfast
Christmas in Belfast at the height of 'The Troubles'. Not the most wonderful time of year.
Glasgow Gets to WorkGlasgow Gets to Work
Amateur film 1935 12 minsSilent Location: Glasgow
Hold on tight for a joyous ride around 1935 Glasgow's bustling road, rail and river transport network in this Scottish educational film.
Sunshine in SohoSunshine in Soho
Documentary 1956 32 mins Location: Soho
1950s Soho beats with far more energy than its 21st century counterpart in this vivid time capsule.
Swansea, Victoria - Pontardulais Railway, 1964 (June)Swansea, Victoria - Pontardulais Railway, 1964 (June)
Amateur film 1964 12 mins Location: Pontarddulais
“It would be difficult to find a more lovely train journey”, declares Swansea’s Librarian, the film-maker and narrator. Prepare to be beguiled, station by station.
A Day in the HayfieldsA Day in the Hayfields
Non-Fiction 1904 3 minsSilent Location: Walton-on-Thames
Midsummer haymaking larks
Lonely WaterLonely Water
1973 2 mins
Terrifying public information film presenting the horrific consequences of playing in or near rivers, ponds and other water hazards.
Punk In 60 SecondsPunk In 60 Seconds
Promotional 2016 1 mins
Anarchy in the UK… This rare footage presents a short blast of the punk energy that took over the streets of Britain in the late 1970s.
A Woman UndressingA Woman Undressing
Pornography 1896 1 minsSilent
A treat for Victorian voyeurs - and Britain's oldest erotic film?
Tunde's FilmTunde's Film
Documentary drama 1974 40 mins Location: Stepney
Tired of being hassled by the police and with no job opportunities, a group of teenage East End lads plan to rob a bank.
Alligator on LizardAlligator on Lizard
Current affairs 1971 5 mins Location: St Keverne
Daisy the pet alligator living on the Lizard in Cornwall
Cambridge - St IvesCambridge - St Ives
Amateur film 1968 8 minsSilent Location: Cambridge
Amateur film capturing the Cambridge to St Ives Eastern Rail route prior to its closure following the Beeching Report.
Bitterne Traffic SchemeBitterne Traffic Scheme
Documentary 1974 15 mins Location: Southampton
On the buses in Southampton, as this traffic scheme tried to end commuter misery by prioritising public transport
Beautiful YorkshireBeautiful Yorkshire
Amateur film 1936 12 minsSilent Location: Harrogate
Sedate cars drive by the Stray at Harrogate, where stately ladies serenely walk, while a lonely woman in a glides by in a punt at Knaresborough.
Mining Review 2nd Year No. 11Mining Review 2nd Year No. 11
Industry sponsored film 1949 9 mins
American actor and singer Paul Robeson visits an Edinburgh colliery, where he regales miners with a rendition of 'I Dreamed I Saw Joe Hill Last Night'.
MuslimsMuslims
1978 22 mins Location: Bradford
Brusque portrait of issues facing the Muslim community in 1970s Bradford including working conditions, co-educational schooling and family law.
Who Killed the Bears?Who Killed the Bears?
News 1964 5 mins Location: Cinderford
24 April 1889 - a crime is committed against two animals and the repercussions reverberate into the next century.
River RideRiver Ride
Amateur film 1963 17 mins Location: Wivenhoe
On the Essex line from Wivenhoe to Brightingsea, Guard Proctor checks for tickets as passengers share the wonderful view of yacht racing on the River Colne from their carriage.
Bourne - A Town StudyBourne - A Town Study
1975 21 minsSilent Location: Bourne
From racing cars to squeaky toys: local school kids discover there's more to rural Bourne than meets the eye.
Making of WokingMaking of Woking
Amateur film 1985 15 mins Location: Woking
An award winning amateur film tracing the transformation of Woking, from open heath to modern commuter-belt town. The film also features the famous Brookwood Necropolis.
Railways for Ever!Railways for Ever!
Documentary 1970 7 mins
Sir John Betjeman reminisces about the phasing out of the mainline steam operation.
Death Is Their DestinyDeath Is Their Destiny
Amateur film 1978 13 mins Location: London
Fascinating amateur footage of London punks, and a glimpse of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, filmed on the King's Road in 1978.