THE IRISH FILM INSTITUTE (IFI) has launched a collection of films charting a turbulent period in Ireland’s history.
The Irish Independence Film Collection comprises 155 newsreel films from 1900-1930, featuring the likes of Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera.
According to Joe McHugh TD, Minister for the Irish language, Gaeltacht, and the Islands, much of the footage has not been see in public for 100 years.
However the newsreels from the British Pathé and British Film Institute archives have now been repatriated and centralised in Ireland for the first time.
Meticulously converted to HD from fragile nitrate film prints, the films are now available to view for free on the IFI’s media player.
'Hidden gems'
The collection includes footage of Irish crowds welcoming Countess Markievicz home after her release from prison, Éamon de Valera visiting Boston in 1919, and Michael Collins addressing a huge crowd following the signing of the Treaty.
At the launch of the collection this week, Minister McHugh said: “Much of the footage being revealed here today has not been accessible or seen in public since its initial distribution and broadcast in cinemas a century ago.
“These hidden gems and rare glimpses into life during some of the most historic and turbulent times on our island’s history are now being repatriated, preserved and re-published for us all to share.
“We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to all those involved in progressing this project to date and we wish them well in their endeavours in completing the final phase of the work to complete the project.”
The IFI's Irish Independence Film Collection is available on the IFI Player, which you can visit by clicking here.
The player is also available as an app.
