Here’s our regularly-updated selection of films that may be of use to news editors and journalists in covering important anniversaries, contextualising current events or illustrating trending topics.
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The Iran Nuclear Deal
With Donald Trump announcing America’s withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal on 8 May, take a look back at Iran’s history with this archive collection on the 1978 Iranian Revolution.
First Solo Flight From England to Australia by a Woman
On 24 May 1930, Amy Johnson became the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia, on a trip of 11,000 miles which took her 19 days to complete. Take a look back at coverage of her arrival with this archive collection.
The Evacuation at Dunkirk
A “colossal military disaster” or a “miracle of deliverance”? Taking place between 26 May – 4 June 1940, Operation Dynamo saw the rescue of 338,226 Allied soldiers from the beaches of Normandy. Take a look at how this event was reported with these classic newsreel films.
The Sinking of the Bismarck
One of two of the largest Battleships ever built, the Bismarck was sunk on 27 May 1941. Take a look back at the historic warship and reports of her final action in this collection of archive film.
Golden Gate Bridge Opened
Take a look back at the opening on 27 May 1937 of what Frommer’s Comprehensive Travel Guide called “possibly the most beautiful, certainly the most photographed, bridge in the world” with this archive collection.
Mount Everest Climbed for the First Time
The 29 May marks the 65th Anniversary of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay becoming the first men to set foot on the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. Take a look at this video of the reception they received on completing their descent.
First Indy500 Race
One of the three prestigious events in the ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’, the first Indy500 race took place on 30 May 1911. Take a look back at previous races in our archive.
Boer War Ends
The Second Boer War ended on 31 May 1902 with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging, paving the way for the later formation of the Union of South Africa, which later became the Republic known today. Take a look back at this conflict with this archive collection.
Big Ben’s Clock Begins to Operate
On the 31 May 1859, the clock in Britain’s historic landmark began to tick. It would chime on the hour for the first time on 11 July, 1859, when its bells were finally installed. Take a look at how the clock has been maintained since then in these historical films.
The Queen’s Coronation
The 2 June will mark the 65th Anniversary of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, who was crowned in 1953. Take a look back at this historic moment in British history with our archive.
Emily Davison Knocked Down By the King’s Horse
The 4 June marks the 105th Anniversary of Emily Davison being knocked down by the King’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, in a defining moment during the Women’s Suffrage Campaign. She later died of her injuries on 8 June 1913. Take a look at the shocking footage of this historic event here.