Harold Johnson (1910-1967) was a skilled amateur filmmaker, a Quaker, and a businessman. His family recently deposited his collection of over 150 films (30 hours) for preservation in the IFI Irish Film Archive. Shot on 8mm and 16mm film, in both sound and silent, between the 1930s and 1960s, the collection records family holidays, workers in the Irel Coffee Factory in Kimmage, mountain climbing adventures, water skiing, motor sport, trips to Africa and the Holy Land, and Quaker gatherings. Meticulously edited, often playful, historically invaluable – these films are a joy to behold.

Alan Johnson and archivist Ana Levisky will introduce the screening. Members of the Johnson family and other friends (and Friends) will join a post-screening conversation chaired by Suniva O’Flynn (IFI). Pianist Morgan Cooke will accompany the silent films in the programme.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn