Rare films from the 1930s and 1950s - including what is believed to be the earliest surviving professional colour film made in Scotland - will be screened at a Capturing the Energy film night at the Belmont Cinema tonight (November 20).
Capturing the Energy, based at the University of Aberdeen, is working with companies across the industry to build a record of the North Sea oil and gas industry through the selection and safeguarding of historically important records which document the industry’s story. This is the second film night held to promote the project’s work, following on from a successful event in 2010.
Clips from a selection of films from the Scottish Screen Archive will be shown at the event, which will be attended by representatives from across the industry and the Lord Provost of Aberdeen.
By showing the city before the discovery of ‘black gold’ alongside films from the 1970s as the industry established itself in Scotland, the films reinforce the importance of Capturing the Energy’s work by showing the significant impact the oil and gas industry has had on the economy, infrastructure and society of Aberdeen and Scotland.
Katy Johnson, Capturing the Energy Project Development Officer, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this event. By safeguarding records relating to fields in an archive at the University of Aberdeen, along with records from the supply chain and other organisations associated with the industry, Capturing the Energy will build a resource for learning and research, accessible to the industry and the wider community, as well as a legacy for the industry.”
The project recently received funding from Oil & Gas UK, to support a three year development officer post for the project, and also has the support of DECC, who advise operating companies to work with Capturing the Energy at decommissioning.