The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free
Sheffield Peace March
As the rise of fascism casts a shadow over Europe, the people of Sheffield take to the streets to deliver a powerful message.
From the collection of:
Overview
At a time of widespread concern over the political landscape of Europe, marches take place in Sheffield with a clear message for Government: “no more war”. Gathering in the neo-classical shadow of the City Hall, groups including Ecclesall Women’s Labour Party, Co-operative Youth and the Woodcraft Folk wave banners bearing slogans such as “Construction Not Destruction” and “Peace For All”. Intercut shots of cannons, flames, and a skull in the dirt lend an air of menace.
Sheffield has long been known for its strong Labour movement and this film, made by Sheffield and District Workers Film Society, shows the strength of anti-war sentiment in the city. Especially noticeable is the large number of women involved, including local councillors Mrs Cummings and Mrs Birch, who give what look to be rousing speeches in Endcliffe Park. Just two months after the film was made, the Spanish Civil War began: Sheffield contributed a number of volunteers to the International Brigade, who opposed Spain’s fascist leader General Franco. Within 18 months the rate of German rearmament passed that of Britain and France – a second world war was becoming ever more probable.
Related
Watch for free
The Queen at Sheffield The Queen at Sheffield
Documentary 1897 1 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Sheffield gives the capital a run for its money with an impressive parade celebrating the monarch, a month before the Diamond Jubilee.
Watch for free
Special Olympics Special Olympics
Factual TV 1988 5 mins Location: Sheffield
Sheffield professional sportsmen train determined disabled adults to compete at the Special Olympics in this heart-warming short film. (
Watch for free
Women's Munitions Workers, Sheffield Women's Munitions Workers, Sheffield
Amateur film 1940 7 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Highly-skilled women defy 1940s gender prejudices and produce munitions in one of Sheffield’s many wartime factories.
Watch for free
Wartime Events in Sheffield Wartime Events in Sheffield
Amateur film 1942 19 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Military men and women from Sheffield put on a show from 1942-1947 in this patriotic compilation film.
Watch for free
Bus Strike Traffic Bus Strike Traffic
Non-Fiction 1959 9 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
A Sheffield bus strike causes traffic congestion in this film that shows the significant local impact that a workplace dispute can have.
Watch for free
Take Care of Your Teeth Take Care of Your Teeth
Amateur film 1958 7 mins Silent Location: Sheffield
Children from Sheffield enjoy becoming amateur dentists for the day in this informative educational film from the late 1950s.
Watch for free
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Watch for free
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Watch for free
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.
Watch for free
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.
Watch for free
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Watch for free
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.