Talk: The GPO Film Unit

We regret that we are unable to offer the secheduled lecture on the GPO Film Unit this evening, as our speakers are unable to attend. In place of the talk, we will be screening an assortment of films made by the GPO Film Unit. David Collard, author of a forthcoming Princeton University Press book on Auden’s role in the GPO Film Unit, has very kindly offered to be on hand to talk about a few of the films, and answer questions.

This evening's event marks the joint BPMA/BFI project to remaster gems from the GPO film collection. The remastered films will be used in a touring programme in cinemas around the UK, and will also be available on a series of DVD releases.

Established in 1933, the unit produced such classics as Night Mail (1936) and The King's Stamp (1935). GPO Public Relations Officer Stephen Tallents worked with creative film makers John Grierson, Alberto Cavalcanti, Harry Watt and others to develop a new documentary film movement. Experimentation and collaboration were encouraged and the films made by the GPO Unit occupy a significant place in cinema history.