Yorkshire Film Archive

As the Centenary commemorations in 2014 approach, the Yorkshire Film Archive (YFA) is delighted to announce it has received an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an important new project, Filmed and Not Forgotten, that will enable vital preservation work to its film collections relating to the First World War.

Filmed and Not Forgotten will research and discover the stories of the people on films almost one hundred years ago – who was that sergeant waving at the camera as he marched over Lendal Bridge in York; what happened at the sports day in Scarborough when the regiments stationed there came together with the community for a day of fun away from the front line? All of these films, and the stories of the people in the films, will be brought together in screenings, and as an online exhibition so that everyone can see and learn about the impact of the First World War on communities across our region.

Commenting on the award, Sue Howard, Director of YFA, said “This is a hugely important project for all of us. As we approach the centenary commemorations of the First World War, our thoughts will turn to the soldiers, their families and the communities across our region, and how they all experienced the impact of the War. Some of those very troops, families, and communities were captured on film, so what better way to mark the Centenary than by researching and telling their stories through our Filmed and Not Forgotten project.”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber, said “The First World War affected all corners of the UK and impacted different communities across Yorkshire. As the commemorations of this significant world event approach it is critical that we reflect on and open up our valuable archive resources allowing these important stories to be discovered and retold. Filmed and Not Forgotten will help investigate and bring to life the local stories from the First World War.”