The Shetland Film Archive lit up Lerwick shop windows in winter 2020, with a socially-distant, outdoor and accessible celebration of archive films.
The Winderfil trail screened silent films in shop windows along Commercial Street, from 2pm each day until shops closed. Some screens were even left on into the dark nights for those out for walks, jogging, or enjoying some festive hospitality at town-centre restaurants and bars.
The trail took in almost a century of amazing archive film, including recent additions to the archive generously donated by John, Derek and Isobel Irvine. This footage included 1930s scenes of Lerwick and the wreck of the old St Sunniva ferry; as well as shots of Lerwick and Da Street in 1960.
Curated by Maya Darell Hewins and Graham Webster, the project was supported in-kind by Living Lerwick, as part of their wider calendar of events for winter 2020. Visitors were able to download a trail path and quiz from Living Lerwick's website.
Greg McCarron, chair of the Shetland Film Archive 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, 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 was delighted to be working with the Shetland Film Archive on this project.'
