IWM's Film Archive

IWM’s Film Archive holds over 23,000 hours of moving images recording the impact of war on society from the First World War to the present day.

Our constantly growing collection contains a wide range of material from public and service information films, documentaries and unedited combat film, through to official newsreels and amateur films.

We are unique in our coverage, recording and showcasing people’s experiences of modern conflict, especially those involving Britain and the Commonwealth. Some of those experiences paint a picture of everyday life in wartime; others give us a glimpse of something exceptional. All of them help us to explore the causes of war and its impact on people’s lives.

Through the promotion and licensing of our unique collections we seek to further encourage knowledge of modern war and conflict.