Nitrate Film Screenings at BFI Southbank

Head to the nitrate film screenings at BFI Southbank for the rare chance to see films shot using this fragile and highly flammable medium shown once more on the big screen.

Flammable films
As the only public cinema in the UK licenced to screen nitrate film, BFI Southbank is the mecca for film fans who want to experience the lustrous and distinctive colours to be seen on cellulose nitrate film first hand. The short season of nitrate film screenings at BFI Southbank is the first time in ten years that the public have the chance to view nitrate prints from the BFI National Archive.

Ephemeral medium
Cellulose nitrate stock was the medium used to record films from 1985 to 1952, but despite its widespread use, nitrate film was highly flammable and could often fall victim to drastic deterioration. Archives across the world now have the daunting task of preserving the precious footage stored on this fragile medium, which is in danger of crumbling away to mere dust. The nitrate film screenings at BFI Southbank mean that for the first time in a decade, movie buffs can watch films recorded on their original medium, before they decay beyond repair.

Incendiary movies
The high silver content in nitrate prints and original Technicolor dyes means that both the black and white and full colour nitrate film screenings at BFI Southbank have a special quality to the discerning eye. Films to be shown during the special season include British gangster classic Brighton Rock, Anchors Aweigh starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, musical comedy Volga-Volga, which has the reputation of being Stalin's favourite film, and The Private Life of Henry VIII, starring Charles Laughton.

The season of nitrate film screenings at BFI Southbank runs from 10th July - 31st August 2010. Tickets cost £6.65 - £9.00. For more information on film times and to book tickets in advance, click on the link below.

BFI Southbank Official Site

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