Joining up: Scotland, cinema and the First World War

Archibald, D. and Velez-Serna, M. (2015) Joining up: Scotland, cinema and the First World War. [in]Transition: Journal of Videographic Film and Moving Image Studies,

Abstract

The genesis of this video essay lies in an article that we co-authored on Scotland, cinema and the First World War for NECSUS: European Journal of Media Studies. The article analysed a series of extant local topical films of the period from the Scottish Screen Archive, and argued that their shifting modes of address are indicative of a strategic alignment which took place between the early cinema trade and the state at a time when they were both involved in projects of market expansion. In drawing attention to this often overlooked group of films, we also suggested that their local and ephemeral logic affords today’s viewer an experience of historical contingency as a counterpoint to hegemonic discourses. There were two reasons for making a video essay on this topic. Firstly, as the First World War is the subject of significant attention in Scotland and the UK, we anticipated that a film on cinema’s role in the period might generate some interest beyond the academy. Secondly, this public interest offered us an opportunity to revisit an under-appreciated body of films, the legacy of an alternative mode of production that coexisted with the emergence of institutional cinema. At a time when the well-known newsreel footage and iconic re-enactments of trench warfare were bound to occupy our screens, these local films served to challenge this canon and make us think again about cinema's relationship with historical events.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Archibald, Professor David and Velez-Serna, Dr Maria
• Authors: Archibald, D., and Velez-Serna, M.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts; College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > Theatre Film and TV Studies
• Journal Name: [in]Transition: Journal of Videographic Film and Moving Image Studies
• Publisher: Society for Cinema and Media Studies