Museums And Archives

Lights, Camera, Oxford - Preserving Oxford's Moving Image Heritage

As Film Oxford celebrates 40 years of community filmmaking, we want to launch an exciting new conservation and engagement project that shines a light on Oxford’s rich moving image heritage. As we prepare to relocate into new purpose-built premises, this initiative will digitise and explore community archival footage, capture untold stories of Oxford's cinemas, and preserve the endangered craft of pre-digital filmmaking. Young people (aged 16–25, not in full-time education or employment), will collaborate with older community members to co-create three short documentaries. Through creative workshops, participants will gain new digital skills while exploring heritage in a hands-on, collaborative way. The project will culminate in exhibitions and screenings at the Ultimate Picture Palace (The UPP), and the Museum of Oxford. Final films will be archived at the Oxfordshire History Centre, leaving a lasting legacy and establishing Film Oxford’s new home as a vibrant hub for creativity, heritage, and community connection.