Who we are and What we do

A North West Film Archive Screening at Burnley Mechanics
Photo: Jason Lock

Who we are

From historical footage and home movies to newsreels and adverts, we find, preserve and share over 50,000 items of film and video, for public, educational and professional use.

We love film and how it can open a window into the past and the present in ways that can be powerful, moving and unexpected.

Part of Manchester Met, and based within Manchester Central Library’s Archives+ partnership, we are a specialist resource dedicated to saving and growing our region’s rich filmed history.

What we do

What we do

Do you need some footage for teaching, broadcasting or an artistic or community project? Do you have film of our region’s people or places that needs looking after?

Whoever you are, if you need a professional and friendly service, we’re here to help.

We offer:

  • research support and loan or licence of footage (including for professional broadcast)
  • bespoke learning and teaching support
  • opportunities to hire or watch unusual and interesting films, with a local and historical theme
  • opportunities for community engagement and collaboration
  • a home for the region’s film and video, where moving images are professionally preserved, stored and made available, for now and for the future

Latest news

Marion Hewitt pictured next to a Steenbeck

Marion Hewitt Interview

Jane Jarvis from Film Archives UK (FAUK) has conducted an interview with the recently-retired Manager of the North West Film Archive, Marion Hewitt. In this fascinating piece, Marion reflects on 40 years in the archive film business.

Signposts to site content

Support credit