World premiere showcases young digital filmmakers at Berwick Festival
02 Apr 2025
A world premiere at the Maltings Cinema, at Berwick Battacks drew an enthusiastic audience as young moviemakers unveiled their film as part of Northumberland Archives Service’s ‘Digitally Disrupting the Archives’ project.
The screening of ‘The Wooler Way of Life’, was held during the Berwick Film Festival and marked a proud moment for the teenagers, who spent the summer learning how to creatively bring Northumberland’s history to life using digital tools.
The project to ‘digitally disrupt’ the archives by enabling young people to engage with historical records in innovative ways was made possible by a £103,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Members of the First Baden Powell Scouts in Wooler and a local drop-in group, used digital platforms and creative storytelling to show the relevance of archival materials, as well as looking at their rural community today.
The film blends past and present, reflecting how life in Wooler has evolved over time. Through interviews, old photographs, and modern and old footage, the young filmmakers explore their town’s identity, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on local history.
The premiere gave the wider community the chance to experience their creative work, while also highlighting the importance of archives in preserving heritage for future generations.
Sue Wood, Head of Archives and Local Studies, Stronger Communities, said: “This has been a great project to work on with young people outside of school. The goal was to inspire more young people to engage with their heritage and to introduce a new generation to the archives.
“As well as the history of the area those involved learned a lot about being in front of, and behind, a lens - from operating cameras and using editing software to conducting interviews and communicating as part of a team.
“These practical experiences could prove useful for future job applications, creating CVs, or even lead to careers in media and heritage.”
Gill O’Neill, Executive Director, of Public Health, Inequalities and Stronger Communities at Northumberland County Council, said: “This project could not have
been undertaken without the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the contributions of lottery players.
“This project has given young people the opportunity to create a film that will itself be preserved in the Northumberland Archives and evidences how archival materials can be used in innovative ways to appeal to modern audiences.
“The premiere was well received leaving the audience inspired and excited about the potential of bringing history to life through digital storytelling.”
Other ‘Digitally Disrupting the Archives’ projects are ongoing, including a mobile escape room designed to involve participants with archival resources in a fun and interactive way.
* Northumberland Archives, which holds records dating back to 1156, supports researchers, academics and residents in exploring the county’s history. To learn more go to www.Northumberlandarchives.com