The Battle of Wangapore

1955
Silent
8m

Charge into this slick amateur cartoon from the Grasshopper Group which was three years in the making

Carry on cartooning - this remarkably slick production was made by a group of like-minded amateurs over three years. The Grasshopper Group was founded in the early 1950s with the unique idea that disparate filmmakers could work together via the postal service. John Daborn was the driving force, bringing together this award-winning production which was documented in an accompanying 'making of' film - Let Battle Commence.

A short amateur cartoon about a fictional incident on the North West Frontier in which the British Army engage Indian natives.

DIY Animation

Amateur animation auteurs bring their homegrown creations to life

The requirements for making an animated film are pretty low. With a camera that shoots in single frames and an idea in your back pocket, you're well on your way. This collection showcases an assortment of dining table Disneys, who combine homebrewed talent with the all-important dedication and patience required to bring a story to life one frame at a time. Not that this was necessarily a solitary pursuit. From the 1950s onwards networks of amateur animators like The Grasshopper Group collaborated on filmmaking and distribution, and animated shorts were often a highlight of the amateur filmmaking scene.