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Film Friday – Best of 2021 NLS Kelvin Hall

10 December, 2021, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall

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As the end of another year falls upon us, we’re suddenly feeling all reflective!
National Library of Scotland is taking a look back at their most viewed films in the archive this year. From all over the world people view films on the Moving Image Archive online catalogue and we’ve picked the top 3 to share with you.
Maybe you’ve seen them before, or have missed them entirely, but now’s a good time as any to grab a (festive) moment, sit back and enjoy the Best of 2021.

Film selection:

Kirkintilloch District
In the spirit of all ‘Best of’ lists National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall is counting down their top films, starting with number 3: Kirkintilloch District. Are you familiar with Kirky? If not, you will be after this film, which uses its first half to pan across as much of the town as possible! The second half sees local activities including a Remembrance Day parade, an agricultural show and various sports. Like many other popular hits in the archive, this film is full to the brim of recognisable spots in a local town or city, that connect to a huge range of people. We love to see those familiar places that resonate with us, reminding us of our own experiences there, whether it be home, holidays, or even work. We delight in witnessing what has stayed the same, in line with our memories, or, if anything has changed. The beauty of nostalgia. Why not have a search to see if there’s somewhere you know and love in the Moving Image Archive?
Running time: 19.31 mins, silent.

The Ninian Cental Platform 1978 [5973]
A consistently steady favourite in the archive over the years is The Ninian Central Platform. Documenting the construction of this mammoth offshore oil rig in Loch Kishorn, the wonderous details and factoids of its build are explained, all to protect it from the elements! Largely fabricated and reinforced in the docks, it was then towed out into the Ninian Field seabed. Apparently the 3,000 employees were locally known as the ‘Kishorn Commandos’. The combination of materials in their strength, weight and measurements here are presented as paramount, making this a real feat of a documentary. Produced by the documentary brilliance of Oscar Marzaroli’s company, you can see why it’s so adored.

Running time: 19.53 mins.

Robin’s Saturday [9309]
And here’s the winner! By far the most viewed film in the archive this year is ‘Robin’s Saturday’ – a lovely short film about a young boy’s favourite spots in his hometown Broughty Ferry, Dundee. You can follow Robin cycling all around, in one day it seems(!), on his little tricycle stopping along the way to play with friends, enjoy the views and even help out on a boat. It seems like the whole town is out to enjoy their Saturday, and Robin is along for the ride. Broughty Ferry is presumably in the hearts of more people than just Robin, making this another well-loved local classic.

Running time: 7.42 mins.

Total running time: 47.06 mins, no content warnings throughout.

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