Liverpool on Film Screening

The North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University is pleased to announce Liverpool on Film, a part of its programme to make this fascinating collection available to the public of the Northwest region. Supported by Northwest Vision and Media and timed to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Woolton Picture House, the NWFA will present a public screening of films from its collection at the Picture House.

The screening will take place on Thursday 10th January 2008 at 7.30pm.

Following on from the release of the archive’s highly successful DVD of the same name, we present the opportunity to see several of the films on the big screen as they were originally intended – and to see others for the first time in 75 years. Films to be shown will feature life in and around Liverpool from the earliest days of film-making in 1897 to the swinging 1960’s. The programme will include the Lumiere Brothers views of the city and the river in 1897, the premier of a stunning restoration of an early colour Pathe newsreel of sights of the city and views of the much loved trams and Overhead Railway. The City’s relationship with the River Mersey is well illustrated in Down to the Sea and with scenes of emigration to Canada via the famous Cunard Liners of the 20’s. The City’s need for post-war rebuilding is seen with developments of new housing in the 1950’s and from the 60’s we see the rebirth of local industries and the services provided to ratepayers in the newly restored Turn of the Tide and Rates for the Job two promotional films made for the city council in 1966.

The Archive’s Service Manager Marion Hewitt said “This is a great opportunity for the people of Liverpool to enjoy an evening with a difference, and take a look back at life in their city in the past century and reflect on this last Year of Heritage”.

Northwest Vision and Media’s Alice Morrison said "The North West Film Archive is one of our region's real gems and Northwest Vision and Media are proud to support Liverpool on Film, enabling local people to access a piece of their region's past".

The evening’s show will be presented by the Archive’s Collections Assistant Geoff Senior, who can be contacted on 0161 247 3097 for further information, interview, and footage.

Tickets are £3 and can be obtained in advance from the venue box-office or by calling 0151 428 3737. The venue seats 250. Book early to avoid disappointment!