Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Open Roads Ahead
Are you longing for a holiday? Before you book let these travellers’ tales tempt you to our shores.
In partnership with:
Overview
Fall in love with the open road. If you have always wanted to experience the tranquil Glens of Antrim, the delicate craftsmanship of Belleek Pottery or the thrills of Barry’s amusement park this is the film for you. Zip around Northern Ireland’s national treasures without leaving your home. You will soon have your own tales to tell after you’ve seen the King of the Mournes with his Prawn courtier not to mention a car that can cross water aided by an elderly woman and a young girl.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board created films that aimed sell the region as a holiday destination to boost the economy. This material captures NI tourism at an intriguing time, as conflict escalated so did the pressure to close the Tourist Board. Resilient staff adapted creatively to the uphill struggle to find ways and places where they could responsibly encourage tourists to visit. Despite these obstacles they continued to create films during the 1970s earning the nickname the ‘Fermanagh Tourist Board’. This material comes from the collection of National Museums Northern Ireland. It is courtesy of Robert Blair.
Related
Watch for free
Portstewart Portstewart
Sponsored film 1957 5 mins Silent Location: Portstewart
Take a trip back in time to Portstewart to bask in the beauty of a sunny day, blue sky and miles of golden sands.
Watch for free
Boating on the Bann Boating on the Bann
Amateur film 1960 15 mins Location: River Bann
All welcome who are interested in boating, angling, wild-fowling, botany, countryside preservation, or just fun!
Watch for free
Two Hours from London Two Hours from London
Sponsored film 1963 23 mins Location: Derry / Londonderry
Breathing history from every stone, Derry is the gateway to the North West of Ireland and a place of outstanding natural beauty. Come and see for yourself.
Watch for free
Through Ulster 3 Through Ulster 3
Sponsored film 1957 13 mins Silent Location: Giant's Causeway
A delightful expedition to some of Northern Ireland's most iconic and historic tourist locations.
Watch for free
North West 200 (1957) North West 200 (1957)
Sport 1957 3 mins Silent Location: Portstewart
Racing bikes and spectators at the famous road race.
Watch for free
Scenes from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (1958) Scenes from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (1958)
Travelogue 1958 36 mins Silent Location: Derry / Londonderry
Feast your eyes on the icons that inhabit Northern Ireland's landscape, from the Giant's Causeway to Cave Hill where the silhouette of sleeping giant overlooks Belfast.
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.