100 years of wildlife filmmaking
Launching in February 2008, Wild Film History will be the world’s first
centralised collection of films and information documenting the history
and heritage of wildlife filmmaking. 100 years of filmmaking will be collated,
bringing together oral histories, printed materials and the films themselves.
The collection will be made publicly accessible, with research facilities,
a website database, and an exciting educational outreach programme of
film screenings.
For nearly 100 years our natural world has been recorded on film, often bringing the first ever sightings of wild species and wild places to viewers. From its pioneering days of clockwork cameras right up to the latest high definition cameras of today, wildlife films provide not only an important and popular record of the world about us, but also an integral part of our cultural history.
Britain is the world leader of this highly popular genre, and 2007 marks its centenary. Even though wildlife programmes are hugely popular and dominate peak viewing schedules on both public broadcasting and commercial television, the programmes themselves may only be broadcast once or twice. Many materials are scattered throughout a variety of personal and private collections, at risk of loss or deterioration and inaccessible to the public.
To find out more and learn how to get involved visit: www.wildfilmhistory.org