Community / Archive films to light up shop windows on Da Street
AN OUTDOOR celebration of archive films from Shetland will take place in and around Commercial Street this winter.
From 30 November to Christmas Eve the Winderfil trail will screen silent films from the Shetland Film Archive in shop windows along Da Street, which will be on show from 2pm each day until shops close.
Some screens will be left on into the dark nights for those out for walks, jogging, or perhaps enjoying some festive hospitality at Lerwick’s bars and restaurants.
The trail will take in almost a century of amazing archive film including recent additions to the archive such as scenes of Lerwick in the 1930s and the wreck of the St Sunniva, and shots of Lerwick and the street in 1960, both donated by John, Derek and Isobel Irvine.
Curated by Maya Darrell Hewins and Graham Webster, the project is being supported in-kind by Living Lerwick, as part of its wider calendar of events for winter 2020.
Chair of Shetland Film Archive Greg McCarron said: “We’re really excited to show some of these treasures on screen for the first time.
“Our YouTube channel has been well received over the past year, and it’s exciting to bring films to Commercial Street which were actually shot there sixty years ago.
“We hope that the memories of Shetland past will raise a smile when people walk along Commercial Street this winter; allowing them to engage with screen heritage in a way which respects current guidelines on social distancing.”
Ben Mullay, who is a director of Living Lerwick, said: “This is an excellent opportunity to showcase footage from the Shetland Film Archive and give customers a safe and enjoyable activity to take part in while they spend time in town shopping.
“Photography and video of our history is a fantastic way to keep in touch with our heritage and we’re lucky to have such great assets available. Living Lerwick are delighted to be working with the Shetland Film Archive on this project.
Visitors will be able to download a trail path and quiz from Living Lerwick’s website or pick up a paper copy from the VisitScotland office at the Market Cross from 30 November.
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