Ascend the Himalayan peaks, sail through mighty oceans and traverse thickets of African jungle – all in one extraordinary collection of films.

This stunning collection makes available for the first time the Royal Geographical Society’s invaluable film archive. Stored at the BFI National Archive for the past 80 years, but until now only available to view for researchers, the collection is an unparalleled record of both spectacular natural beauty and bold human endeavour.

Discover a rich array of films, encompassing footage of pioneering explorers like Ralph Bagnold and John Noel, the meticulous recordings of RGS-sponsored geographical surveys, and amateur film deposited with the Society by diplomats such as Sir Clarmont Skrine.



As well as chronicling important expeditions, registering rare tribal customs, and capturing regions that have undergone dramatic change, the collection compiles a fascinating trove of nonfiction filmmaking craft, from the early Kodacolor exploits of George Sherriff to the technological innovations of Stewart Blacker and Dr Hamilton Rice.

With this globe-spanning collection of over 120 films (many of which are feature-length) all available to watch for free, intrepid viewers can now explore the world at will, enjoying a unique record of 20th-century life on Earth.

