Join us to explore histories that shaped our present—and discover possible futures.

The Burr Film Library is a rotating community video archive and welcoming space for screenings, discussion, and creativity.

Currently based at The Burr of Berwick on 22 Bridge Street, the Film Library is open Saturdays 12 – 4pm. The library hosts a selection of films which changes every 4 months. We also occasionally hold ‘pop-up’ libraries hosted by partner organisations and in public spaces.

We welcome your ideas and contributions for films local and otherwise which would make interesting additions to the library. You can view films on our tablets and on the large flatscreen, we also have a selection of related books and printed material.

There will be opportunities to delve into the Film Library exhibitions, get involved with filmmaking and take the power of video into your own hands with year-round workshops and events for all ages.

The Miners’ Strike of 1984-85 was a major industrial dispute that pitted the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) against the government. The strike lasted for a year and involved more than 100,000 miners across the country. 2025 is the Anniversary year of the end of the strikes (6 March 1984 – 3 March 1985).

Miners’ Weekend School captures the events of the Miners’ Weekend School held in Ashington in 1984, providing an intimate look into the discussions and strategies of the mining community during a pivotal time in British industrial history.

The film offers a unique insight into the miners’ efforts to educate and organise themselves amidst the challenges posed by industrial changes and political pressures. By focusing on the proceedings of the weekend school, the documentary highlights the community’s commitment to solidarity and collective action.​

Through interviews, speeches, and candid moments, Miners’ Weekend School (1984) showcases the resilience and determination of the miners as they navigated the complexities of their industry and sought to preserve their livelihoods and communities. The project placed the voices of the miners at the forefront, offering viewers a profound understanding of their experiences during this critical period.

Edits from the Miners Weekend School Tapes were included in the Amber Current Affairs Unit video News From Durham (1984) and lead up to the important Amber documentary Can’t Beat it Alone (1985)

The six parts of the Miners Weekend School take on different topics of discussion:

• Policing – including the militarisation of the police force against the working class, issues around arrests, and due process.
• The Courts – including NUM national legal strategies.
• The Media – including mainstream media bias against the working class.
• Strategies – including the need for more coordination nationally and regionally.
• Support Groups – including relief funds and women’s unity groups.
• A Talk by Author Jeremy Seabrook

Amber Films, based in Newcastle, have played a key role in shaping British cinema, particularly as a key player in negotiating the Workshop Declaration and partnering with Channel 4, which provided financial support and creative freedom. This led to diverse outputs, including the creation of the Amber Current Affairs Unit, created initially to co-ordinate work on the NUM (National Union of Mineworkers), and the production of more responsive works like T. Dan Smith (1987) and From Marks & Spencer to Marx and Engels (1989).

Amber’s Current Affairs Unit (1983-5) offered an opportunity to examine current issues surrounding working class self-education, exploring the conditions surrounding workers rights and community organising today. The role therein of community media initiatives, to interrogate anti-union legislation, the polarisation of the media,