The poet Ross Thompson was commissioned to respond to the moving image content of Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive in the creation of new work.

He was asked to create work exploring our profound relationship with the coast and sea – its impact on Northern Irish society and culture, and how the coastal experience continues to shape how we live, work and dream. 

Here, he discusses the process of researching and writing the poems and the experience, as a poet, of working with archive film.

Ross Thompson is an award-winning poet and writer, and also one of Lagan Press’ 12Now up-and-coming literary talents. His work is inspired by and draws on recurrent themes that include the sea and cinema.

The film features the following excerpts of archive material, all courtesy of National Museums Northern Ireland:

Idyllic Images of Northern Ireland (1957) / Charm of Ulster (1959) / Blossom and Birds (1958) / Enchanting Portrush (1957) / Exploring The Tourist Attractions of the North Coast (1957)

Produced, Directed and Edited by TACA 

Music composed by Dáithí McGibbon

Audio recording courtesy of Peter Carson, NMNI.

Filmed at the Ulster Folk & Transport Musuem.

Created as part of the BFI's Britain on Film project

• Britain on Film
• BFI Player
• TACA Works
• 12 Now - Lagan Online
• 12 Now - Ross Thompson