Amber Films’ Current Affairs Unit
Amber Films’ 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,
The Amber Film & Photography Collective retired in 2024, however their work and the UNESCO registered Amber Side Collection is safeguarded by Side, founded by Amber in 1977. Thanks to support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, this vital cultural record, documenting working class life from the North East and beyond, will be preserved for generations to come. To follow the ongoing journey Side and its community, visit sidegallery.co.uk, or follow them on Instagram at @amber_sidegallery.
For Berwick Heritage Open Days, explore the themes of our latest Film Library exhibition Miners’ Weekend School (1984) with a film documenting the same period of struggle and solidarity. Screening followed by a discussion.
Miners’ Weekend School (1984) is a six-part documentary produced by Amber Films’ Current Affairs Unit during the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike.