This year, Imperial War Museums (IWM) and members of the First World War Centenary Partnership are working together to show the UNESCO listed film The Battle of the Somme, to audiences across the world. Shot and screened in 1916, it was the first feature length documentary about war and changed the way both cinema and film was perceived by the public. In the year of its release around 20 million people, almost half the population of Britain at the time, watched The Battle of the Somme, many hoping to see the image of a loved-one or friend captured on film. One hundred years later, this unique film from IWM’s collection is being shown to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
Gateways to the First World War is supporting three screenings of the film this November:
Wednesday 2nd November 2016 – Westgate Hall, Canterbury
A free screening at Westgate Hall, Canterbury, organised with Westgate Community Trust and featuring live piano accompaniment with original melodies from pianist Stephen Horne and percussionist Martin Pyne. With a welcome from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, introduction to the film from Professor Mark Connelly (University of Kent) and a talk from Stephen Horne on the musical accompaniment to the film.
Doors open at 6.30pm and there will be a cash bar. Booking not necessary.
Tuesday 8th November 2016 – The Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton
This free screening at the Duke of York’s Picturehouse, Brighton is organised with The Fedora Group and will feature live piano accompaniment with original melodies from silent film accompanist Stephen Horne. With a welcome from Dr Sam Carroll (Gateways to the First World War) and an introduction to the film from Glyn Edwards (The Fedora Group: Stage Screen and Trench).
The event starts at 10.30am. Please note that booking in advance is strongly advised. Tickets can be booked via the Duke of York’s Picture House website, via telephone on 0871 902 5728 (calls cost 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge), or in person at the Box Office.
Friday 11th November – Portsmouth Cathedral
Portsdown U3A presents The Battle of the Somme at Portsmouth Cathedral with live accompaniment from Jonathan Eyre, the Chapel Organist of the Old Naval College, Greenwich.
The main screening will take place at 7pm and will include an introduction from Dr Victoria Carolan (University of Greenwich). There will also be a 2pm screening which will be primarily, but not exclusively, for schools in the Portsmouth area. Throughout the day there will be a display in the Cathedral to showcase Portsdown U3A's HLF supported project, ‘The impact on the People of Portsmouth of the Battle of Jutland’.
The screenings are free but booking is required. Contact Carole Chapman at carolecpc99999@googlemail.com or call 023 92 697009.
For more information about the First World War Centenary Partnership’s plans to commemorate the Battle of the Somme visit www.1914.org.
