A Fly's Eye View

From the collection of

North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University

Established in 1977, the North West Film Archive preserves moving images made in or about the North West of England for the education and enjoyment of the region’s people. Part of Manchester Metropolitan University Library’s Cultural Collections, and based within Manchester Central Library’s Archives+ partnership, we are a specialist resource dedicated to saving and growing our region’s rich filmed history.

A Fly's Eye View

North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester
1 Jan 1964
Silent
8m

The world on a grand scale, as seen through the eyes of a housefly.

From the craggy surface of a coin, via the intricacies of a watch mechanism, to the whirling lightshow of a multifaceted gemstone, this beautifully shot colour film shows us the close-up world as seen through the eyes of a housefly. The film, with its skilfully animated title sequence, won an 'Award of Merit' in 8mm Movie Maker and Cine Camera's 'Top 8 Competition 1964'.

Filmmaker George Higginson was a highly skilled amateur whose work includes travelogues and the recording of activities at Manchester School of Art, where he was a mature student. He also produced award winning scientific documentaries, including 'Pond Life'. Originally trained as a cotton engineer, he served in the army in World War One, and, after art school training, went on to teach drawing and painting at Bolton School for Boys.

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From the collection

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.