Classic reels back on wheels for 2004

A film roadshow, that has been described as a 'brilliant initiative' by the world-famous film actor and director Lord Richard Attenborough, is about to hit the road again - for a second national film tour of Wales.

The tour, Classic Reels on Wheels 2004, an initiative by The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, will begin its journey on Wales Cinema Day, 23 February at the Public Hall cinema, Cross Hands, before rolling on to visit Bridgend, Builth Wells and Harlech. The aim of the project is to provide audiences across Wales with a unique opportunity to see some of Wales' finest films and greatest performances projected back where they belong - on the big screen. 'This is just one of the reasons I applaud 'Classic Reels on Wheels,' says Lord Attenborough. ''I am passionately in favour of seeing film in a cinema. The experience of laughing, learning, crying or being thrilled by what you see on a screen is profoundly enhanced if that screen is a large one and you are surrounded by other people in a darkened auditorium.'

Indeed, the highlight of the Archive's visit to each of the 4 centres will be a main classic cinema screening, carefully tailored to appeal to local audiences:

• The Cross Hands event will provide another opportunity to enjoy the classic David, which charts the real-life story of ex-miner, school caretaker and accomplished poet (Amanwy) - D.R.Griffiths, the brother of the first Secretary of State for Wales, Jim Griffiths. Made locally, the film features many familiar faces, including that of actress Gwenyth Petty, mother of BBC newsreader Sara Edwards.
• Three days later, on 26 February, the Archive will be visiting the Odeon Cinema in Bridgend to host a screening of one of Lord Attenborough's earliest films, Only Two Can Play. Made in Swansea, the film also stars Peter Sellers alongside Kenneth Griffith, another friend of the Archive.
• Onwards and upwards to the Wyeside, Builth Wells (1 March), for the premiere of a newly-commissioned animation, produced by local school-children especially for the tour, followed by a screening of On The Black Hill.
• The Classics will come to their last 'stop' of the year at Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech (3 March), where locals are eagerly anticipating the return of Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis and The Vikings to north west Wales! The Archive and the Wales Screen Commission have managed to locate a rare print of the film at the MGM Studios in Los Angeles for the screening.

Entry to each film show is free of charge - but ticket numbers are limited and booking in advance is recommended.

In addition to classic film screenings, this year's project includes a number of exciting new developments. The 2004 roadshow now features a touring exhibition of film equipment and memorabilia, designed in collaboration with the organisers of the impressive cinema exhibition that can currently be seen at Swansea Museum. The Archive will also be using the tour as an opportunity to make a national appeal for film information and footage and a film information desk will be set up at each venue. The exhibition and information desk will be open during the day of the Archive's visit to each venue.

Classic Reels on Wheels 2004 will appeal to all the family - even children - as the Archive and Cinetig animation company present an animation education workshop for local school-pupils at Wyeside next week. The finished animation will receive its official, international, premiere at the Classic Reels screening in Builth on 1 March.

'By placing 'classic' films on 'wheels' and taking our film heritage out and into communities across Wales each winter, we are providing audiences old and new, of all ages, with an opportunity to access and appreciate our rich film heritage,' explains Mari Stevens of the Archive. 'But of course, the public are also welcome to visit the Archive at our new home at The National Library in Aberystwyth, where we will shortly be opening a state of the art Auditorium, throughout the year.'

Notes:

• For further information contact: Mari Stevens, 01970 632535 / mas@llgc.org.uk or visit the NSSAW Website: screenandsound.llgc.org.uk
• Box Office Information :
  Cross Hands - 01970 632535; Odeon, Bridgend - 01656 663014; Wyeside, Builth - 01982 552555; Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech - 01766 780667.
• The National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales is based at The National Library of Wales Aberystwyth, which sees the opening of a state-of-the-art 100-seater Auditorium in June.

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