North West Film Archive

The North West Film Archive rescues and ensures the survival of moving images about the North West of England for the education and enjoyment of the region's people - both today and in the future. It is a leading public regional moving image archive providing custodial and access services which are recognised regionally, nationally and internationally. Part of Manchester Metropolitan University Library Special Collections, services to staff and students in Higher Education for research, teaching and learning are a particular priority.

The Archive cares for over 33,500 items from the pioneer days of film in the mid 1890s to video production of the present day. The work of both the professional and the amateur is collected. The Archive has catalogues online which allow you to explore the collections and discover the rich resources held. There are some sample clips online but getting everything online is a very long-term goal.

The North West Film Archive is interested in acquiring film or video footage featuring people, places, events and activities in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Cumbria. The Archive collects material on any subject illustrating life in the region - this could be newsreel from the 1920s, home movies of local events in the 1960s or a corporate video from the 1990s. Footage reflecting the cultural diversity of the region is a particular priority , as are other examples of less common footage including political activity, everyday domestic interiors, and rural life.

The NWFA is constantly seeking new material to develop its collections and will be keeping an eye on everything which is uploaded here – we may be in touch to discuss depositing it with us. Or if you have some procession footage – any age, any gauge – which isn’t digital yet then contact us and we’ll try to help. Call Nick Gladden on 0161 247 3097, or email n.w.filmarchive@mmu.ac.uk.

Make our own film of the Procession on 2nd July and come and talk to us and Lets Go Global at the 'Your Procession' events at Cornerhouse on 12th July and 6th August. See the Exhibition page for more details.

Once inspected by specialised staff and acquired by the Archive, all material is stored in our world class temperature and humidity-controlled vaults ensuring its preservation for future generations. In return, the Archive is able to provide donors with a DVD copy, free of charge. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder (who is not necessarily the donor) and is not transferred to the Archive, unless under special circumstances.