Recycled Silent Movie
Overview
Recycled Silent Movie is a collaborative film project produced as part of Hat Fair's Celebrating Age programme (2017–2018) — an arts initiative focused on creating work for, with and about older people. The project resulted in a short silent film combining archive footage with new material inspired by the experiences and memories of older residents in Winchester and Corby.
Objectives & approach
Explore personal and local histories
Older participants responded to original archival footage from their local areas, contributing stories and reflections that shaped the narrative of the film.
Blend heritage with creativity
The film weaves together historical footage from collections such as the Hampshire Records Office and local archives with newly created material.
Collaborative production
The project brought together professional artists — including writer/co-director Richard Hurford, composer Jonathan Best, and digital artists SDNA — with community participants and local organisations.
Public engagement
The film premiered at the Guildhall in Winchester and was screened at venues including The Core in Corby, reaching local audiences and participants' communities.
Funding & partners
The project was funded by Arts Council England and the Baring Foundation, with support from a wide network of partners including archive services, community groups, care providers, and arts organisations.
Social impact
1. Strengthening connection to place and heritage
By engaging older residents with archival footage of their local communities, the project reconnects individuals with shared histories, reinforcing a sense of belonging and cultural identity.
2. Valuing older people's voices
The project centres the perspectives and lived experiences of older participants, presenting them as active contributors to cultural production and challenging stereotypes around ageing.
3. Wellbeing and reminiscence
Engaging with familiar images and personal histories encourages reflection and storytelling, supporting emotional wellbeing and helping participants reconnect with meaningful moments from their lives.
4. Community engagement and access to the Arts
By uniting archival material, professional artists, and community participants — and sharing the work publicly — the project opens up access to creative experiences and invites wider audiences to engage with arts and heritage.
5. Intergenerational and cross-sector collaboration
The involvement of youth groups, artists, care organisations, and cultural institutions fosters collaboration across sectors, strengthening community networks and encouraging knowledge exchange.
Conclusion
Recycled Silent Movie demonstrates how creative reuse of archival material can unlock powerful personal stories while fostering community connection. By combining heritage, artistic practice, and participation, the project not only preserves local histories but also promotes dignity, visibility, and engagement among older people — contributing to more inclusive and connected communities.
This intergenerational multimedia art project was originally produced for Hat Fair's Celebrating Age project – a two year programme of arts activity for, with and about older people.
Celebrating Age project
Hat Fair's Celebrating Age featured three distinct projects:
- Four Score Years and Ten (Tour) – A play inspired by the lives of Winchester's 90‑year‑olds, specially commissioned to mark the Queen's 90th birthday year.
- Living Portraits – 16 short films celebrating the lives of older residents in Winchester and Corby.
- Recycled Silent Movie – Recycled footage from local archives and stories from participants will be combined to make into a 20 minute film.
All three Celebrating Age projects explore the realities of life as an older person in the UK and celebrate positive images of older people through theatre and film.
Special thanks to our local partners St John's Winchester for hosting the showcase event in Winchester and to the team at Grow Festival for hosting the showcase event in Corby.
We would also like to thank everyone who collaborated in this project including SDNA, Flintlock Theatre, Dan Murphy, Hampshire Records Office, Corby Borough Council Collection, Brendoncare, Winchester Live At Home Scheme, Age Concern Hampshire, The Core, Corby and Made In Corby for their support.
The Celebrating Age project is funded by the Arts Council England and Baring Foundation Celebrating Age grant.
