Building the South Bank

Marking the London Festival of Architecture 2008, this collection of films illustrates the striking legacy the 1951 Festival of Britain has left on this iconic stretch of the Thames.

Highlights include the whimsical documentary Brief City (1952), home-movies shot by excited Festival-goers and The Happy Family, a 1952 feature film addressing the effects of redevelopment on the local community. Bringing us into the 21st century, the magnificent re-birth of the Royal Festival Hall is documented in This is Tomorrow (2007), a film-making collaboration with pop mavericks Saint Etienne.

During the LFA's South Bank Late event on 11 July, the Mediatheque will be open until 22:00, while other events are planned in and around BFI Southbank. Highlights from The Promised Land, the Mediatheque's collection exploring domestic architecture in Britain since the 1930s, will be screening in the Studio throughout July.

Five to try...

Erection of the Dome of Discovery, Festival of Britain (1950-51)
Rare colour footage of the Millenium Dome's 50s forerunner under construction - and a royal visit.

London Adventure with the Wetton Family (1951)
Charming home-movie evoking the excitement of a visit to the South Bank in 1951.

Brief City (1952)
Wry, beautifully filmed documentary soaking up the atmosphere and attractions of the Festival of Britain.

The Happy Family (1952)
South Bank-set feature with Stanley Holloway, directed by British cinema stalwart Muriel Box.

This is Tomorrow (2007)
The Royal festival Hall is reborn for a new generation, to the sounds of Saint Etienne.