Film

The film collection represents a rare and unique moving image record of Wales, Welsh culture and life in Wales from the late 19th Century through to the 21st Century.

Comprising over 5 million feet of film dating back to 1898, visitors may view a comprehensive list of titles which include a phantom train ride through Conwy station (1898) an athletics and horse racing event at the Cardiff Stadium (1911) Lloyd George with his pet dogs (C.1929), a restoration of the first Welsh language feature film, Y Chwarelwr (1935) and a truly evocative, Oscar winning, documentary on Dylan Thomas (1962).

As well as these commercial films. There are hundreds of amateur films dating from the beginning of the twentieth century, which include the Marquis of Anglesey’s children playing with their nannies in 1922, majorettes at various carnivals in the Dulais Valley from the 1950s to 1970s and agricultural shows around Wales from the 1940s.

The collection is the only Archive film collection devoted to the acquisition, preservation and provision of access to the moving image Heritage of Wales and its people.

Over 700 of our films can be viewed online for free on the BFI player thanks to the Unlocking Film Heritage Project.

“As a busy tutor I found working with the Archive easy; my students found the experience inspiring. It doesn’t matter what subject you teach or study, because all Welsh life is in there. My advice would be that if you’re considering approaching the archive, do it!”
Sophia Behraki, Coleg Ceredigion