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
Video Player is loading.
Ulster Sails West
A patriotic take on the Ulster-Scot emigration to North America and how these "stubborn people" shaped America and its politics.
In partnership with:
Overview
Ulster Sails West explores Northern Ireland’s links with America. Inspired by Marshall’s Ulster Sails West (1943), the programme demonstrates the extensive influence of Ulster-Scots in various aspects of life in America. Telling the story of the quarter of a million Ulster Scots who “fled from persecution and poverty at home” the ballad takes us on a journey through their history. Presenter Charles Witherspoon’s narrative is illustrated by Rowel Friers’s paintings.
Friers was a political cartoonist, performer and painter. He strove to reflect political absurdities of Northern Ireland with impartiality, saying ‘I have no side in all of this. I just make fun of all the madness.’ A graduate of the Belfast College of Art he contributed to the arts throughout his life as President of both the RUA and Ulster Association of Drama Festivals. Part of the About Britain series, Ulster Sails West is courtesy of the UTV Archive.
Related
Watch for free
Kilroot Power Station Kilroot Power Station
Home movie 1981 3 mins Silent Location: Carrickfergus
Enjoy vertigo-inducing views from the top of Northern's Ireland's only coal-fired power station
Watch for free
The Fate of the Clyde Valley The Fate of the Clyde Valley
News 1974 8 mins Location: Carrickfergus
Monument or scrap? What fate will befall this controversial relic of Unionist violence and what do the people of Carrickfergus make of it all?
Watch for free
Holiday scenes: Carrey Family Film Holiday scenes: Carrey Family Film
Home movie 1939 2 mins Silent Location: Belfast
Join three generations of the Carrey family as they holiday during the last summer before the outbreak of World War II.
Watch for free
The Boat Train The Boat Train
Amateur film 1963 8 mins Location: Belfast
A picturesque journey on the boat train from Belfast to Larne to catch the Caledonian Princess by beloved Ballyclare filmmaker Archie Reid.
Watch for free
Summer Holiday Summer Holiday
Home movie 1961 8 mins Silent Location: Carrickfergus
Join the Carrey family as they entertain each other during a summer adventure around the north of Ireland.
Watch for free
Greenisland Rock Greenisland Rock
Amateur film 1982 22 mins Location: Greenisland
What has the youth of Greenisland turning Ted? Meet the people reliving the 1950s in the outskirts of 1980s Belfast.
Watch for free
Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.
Watch for free
We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.
Watch for free
If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.
Watch for free
Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.
Watch for free
Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.
Watch for free
NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.