Kollectiv is delighted to present the Folkestone premiere of local filmmaker Ben
Barton’s new short documentary, which investigates a little-known chapter in the
origins of television.
Where did the first-ever television transmission really take place? For 100 years, the
accepted story has pointed to Hastings. But beginning with a forgotten plaque right
here in Folkestone, Ben follows a trail left behind by inventor John Logie Baird,
uncovering evidence that invites us to look again at where TV first sparked to life.
The short documentary blends location with exclusive archive footage unseen for 70
years, along with stunning drone footage (by Alexander Saxby) to explore not only
the birth of this world-changing technology, but the way historical narratives are
constructed, simplified and sometimes overlooked.
This special Folkestone Film Festival event expands on the short film with a
contextual introduction, featuring archival material on the early development of
television, and a live Q&A with the director, discussing the research, discoveries and
questions behind the project.
Writer and director: Ben Barton
Camera, drone and editing: Alexander Saxby
The film has been rated certificate U by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Director Statement
“This documentary began as a newspaper article in the Folkestone Foghorn, where I investigated where exactly television was invented. But, after publishing the article, I had more to say! TV is a visual medium, and this story felt best told on screen. Alongside the plaque in Folkestone, I uncovered archive footage unseen for over 70 years. Styled like a short magazine TV segment, the film reflects on how history is formed – and what can sometimes be overlooked.”
Kollectiv is delighted to present the Folkestone premiere of local filmmaker Ben
Barton’s new short documentary, which investigates a little-known chapter in the
origins of television.
Where did the first-ever television transmission really take place? For 100 years, the
accepted story has pointed to Hastings. But beginning with a forgotten plaque right
here in Folkestone, Ben follows a trail left behind by inventor John Logie Baird,
uncovering evidence that invites us to look again at where TV first sparked to life.
The short documentary blends location with exclusive archive footage unseen for 70
years, along with stunning drone footage (by Alexander Saxby) to explore not only
the birth of this world-changing technology, but the way historical narratives are
constructed, simplified and sometimes overlooked.
This special Folkestone Film Festival event expands on the short film with a
contextual introduction, featuring archival material on the early development of
television, and a live Q&A with the director, discussing the research, discoveries and
questions behind the project.
Writer and director: Ben Barton
Camera, drone and editing: Alexander Saxby
The film has been rated certificate U by Folkestone & Hythe District Council.
Director Statement
“This documentary began as a newspaper article in the Folkestone Foghorn, where I investigated where exactly television was invented. But, after publishing the article, I had more to say! TV is a visual medium, and this story felt best told on screen. Alongside the plaque in Folkestone, I uncovered archive footage unseen for over 70 years. Styled like a short magazine TV segment, the film reflects on how history is formed – and what can sometimes be overlooked.”
