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 Irelandβs links with America. Inspired by Marshallβs 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 βfled from persecution and poverty at homeβ the ballad takes us on a journey through their history. Presenter Charles Witherspoonβs narrative is illustrated by Rowel Friersβs paintings.
Friers was a political cartoonist, performer and painter. He strove to reflect political absurdities of Northern Ireland with impartiality, saying βI have no side in all of this. I just make fun of all the madness.β 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
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
Watch for free
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
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
Documentary 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 childrenβs 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.