The
Spanish Civil War was the first war
that had saturation coverage both
cinematic and photographic: it coincided
with advances in film and photographic
technology that enabled more of the
front line action to be recorded
than previously. It also attracted
independent film-makers from around
the world who made films in support
of the Republic. These films countered
the perceived bias of the newsreels
of the day. We hold the key films
that document this bitter struggle:
Historical
background
Mobilisation
of the Spanish people against
the fascists
Siege
and bombing of Madrid with
footage of civilians - esp.women
and children - fleeing the
bombardment
The
arrival of the International
Brigades
Fighting
in the cities and in the countryside
Republican
soldiers in action, including
footage of tanks in the olive
groves
The
ancient Basque town of Guernica
in flames after the assault
by the German Condor Legion
in April 1937
The
Battle of the Ebro, the final
assault by the Republican side:
a decisive moment near the
end of the war in April 1938
Columns
of civilians on the roads fleeing
the fighting
The "stand-down"parade
in Barcelona in late 1938 when
the Spanish people bid farewell
to the International Brigades
: footage of women and children
lining the boulevards which
are strewn with flowers, soldiers
embracing children
Shots
of the Brigaders departing
by train, emotional crowds
bidding them farewell.
The
popular response in Britain
when people rallied to the
support of the Republic (The
Aid Spain movement)