National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Dear Cambria
From Swansea (“its hurry and scurry, bang and rattle”) to Tenby, via Mumbles (“No, we’ll not make a joke about its name!”) and Worm’s Head (“Was there ever such a place for names?”).
From the collection of:
Overview
Dear Cambria is a "Land of Contrasts!" (as stated on opening inter-title) and this tinted & toned black and white film contains footage of a variety of places in south and west Wales. It opens with "Busy, Striving Swansea - city of toil with most soothing of names" and closes with Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire, looking gothically “grim in the gathering dusk”. In between are shots of a royal visit to the 1926 National Eisteddfod in Swansea, bardic costumes blowing in the wind.
The Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) are the royal visitors and they are seen being received into the Gorsedd of Bards as "Albert o Efrog" and "Betsi o Efrog" (sadly not Bertie and Betsi), the breeze playing havoc with the bardic costumes. The Archdruid Howell Elvet Lewis [Elfed] is seen with the royal pair and receiving the ritual items - the sword, the Horn of Plenty and the Sheaf of Flowers. The film is mostly tinted but there are some tones (blue, sepia). Tinting gives the whole film – highlights and all - a wash of colour. Toning colours the silver image only (the highlights contain no silver so will not get coloured).
Related
Watch for free
The Artist in Wales The Artist in Wales
Documentary 1978 32 mins Location: Swansea/Abertawe
Where would a world of movers and shakers be without the makers and soul-feeders? Long live the poets and musicians, artists and performers!
Watch for free
Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938 Visit of H.R.H. The Princess Royal President of the Civil Guide Association, to the West Glamorgan Rally, held at Singleton Park, Swansea. May 28th 1938
Amateur film 1938 15 mins Silent Location: Swansea/Abertawe
After the parade, controlled by gauntlet-wearing commissioners, captains and pack leaders, the 'Brownie Gallop' offers some light relief.
Watch for free
Mabolgampau Yr Urdd Abertawe, 1933 Mabolgampau Yr Urdd Abertawe, 1933
Amateur film 1933 11 mins Silent Location: Swansea/Abertawe
The Vetch Field stadium in Swansea is occupied by Urdd Gobaith Cymru – The Welsh League of Hope – for 2 days of mass gymnastics in June 1933.
Watch for free
Ingot Pictorial No. 21 Ingot Pictorial No. 21
Promotional 1954 23 mins Location: Swansea/Abertawe
Experience 150 years of rail transport at Mumbles, enjoy the red sails of Abbey Works’ boat club, watch Sterling Moss discover the steel industry’s impact on racing cars.
Watch for free
Great Western Ports Great Western Ports
Industry sponsored film 1929 86 mins Silent Location: Cardiff/Caerdydd
"Any Ware to Anywhere" - a film advertising the thoroughly modern merits of the Great Western Railway ports (e.g. Cardiff, Newport, Barry, Port Talbot, Swansea, Fishguard).
Watch for free
Christmas 1952 Santa Claus Comes to Craig Cefn Parc Christmas 1952 Santa Claus Comes to Craig Cefn Parc
Amateur film 1952 4 mins Silent Location: Craig-cefn-parc
Santa Claus – wearing the traditional robes and a black mask – arrives in the village of Craig Cefn Parc, near Clydach, Swansea, with a horse-drawn sleigh full of presents.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.
Watch for free
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.