Film Screening: GPO Film Unit Selection

This is a rare opportunity to view three classic films made by the GPO Flm Unit. All three have been remastered as part of a joint British Film Institute/BPMA project, and will be available on a series of DVD releases throughout 2008.

Granton Trawler (1934) - Director and cameraman John Grierson captures the harsh conditions faced by fishermen on board the trawler Isabella Greig, as they fish on Viking Bank. (Running time: 11 minutes)

A Colour Box (1935) - Director Len Lye pioneered the technique of painting directly on to film negative in this experimental film, used to advertise the introduction of new cheap parcel rates. (Running time: 3.75 minutes)

Britain At Bay (1940) - J B Priestley narrates this rallying film which shows Britain standing alone defiantly, following the fall of other European countries in the Second World War. (Running time: 7.25 minutes)

The GPO Film Unit's remit was to promote the work of the GPO, partly to justify its spending, but also to introduce new services to the public. The creative team managed to achieve this aim using innovative and experimental techniques and diverse subject matter.