The term 'free cinema' was coined by critic and filmmaker Lindsay Anderson in early 1956 when he, Karel Reisz, Tony Richardson and Lorenza Mazzetti showed a programme of their short films at the National Film Theatre. Although the name was intended only for that screening, it proved so successful that five more programmes were shown under the same banner between 1956 and 1959. The films were 'free' in the sense that they were made outside the framework of the film industry, and that their statements were entirely personal. Of the six screenings, three showed short British documentaries, while the other three showed new foreign films. 'Free Cinema' as it is understood today, however, specifically refers to the films made by Anderson's group, and it is these films which form the basis of this collection. These films had in common not only the conditions of their production (low budget, unpaid crew) and the equipment they employed (hand-held 16mm cameras), but a style and attitude. Mostly funded by the BFI's Experimental Film Fund, they featured ordinary, mostly working-class people at work and play, displaying a rare and sympathy and respect, and a self-consciously poetic style. They also shared an experimental approach to sound, avoiding narration and imaginatively counter pointing sound and image. Film List: O DreamlandMomma Don't AllowTogetherWakefield ExpressNice TimeThe Singing StreetEvery Day Except ChristmasRefuge EnglandEnginemenWe Are The Lambeth BoysFood For A BushOne Potato, Two PotatoThe Vanishing StreetTomorrow's SaturdayGala DayMarch to Aldermaston
Interviews with Lorenza Mazzetti, Walter Lassally, Alain Tanner and Mike Grigsby
Audio interview from the NFT Free Cinema commemorative event in March 2001
Stills gallery
Fully illustrated booklet
