Tribute for pioneer of poetic documentary

A BU research centre is paying tribute to documentary maker Denis Mitchell.

BU's Centre for Broadcasting History Research will host a tribute to cutting-edige documentary director Denis Mitchell at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, on Wednesday 25 March 2009.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the television documentary 'Morning in the Streets', the retrospective will focus on Mitchell’s little-known and fascinating BBC radio work during the mid 1950s, as well as his later television work for the BBC and independent television companies during the late 1950s and 1960s.

There will be screenings of film prints of 'Morning in the Streets' and several other documentaries, which will be introduced by key colleagues and friends of the filmmaker.

Several keynote speakers will give papers including:

Michael Darlow on his experiences of working with Mitchell at Granada
Philip Purser on Mitchell's place in television history
John Corner on Mitchell and 'documentary voices'.

The event will explore vital issues surrounding the representation of the working classes on radio and television, as well as wider issues in documentary and broadcasting history. It will be of particular interest to students of radio, film and television production.

Denis Mitchell is still regarded as the most influential British television documentarian, and this event will pay tribute to his unique contributions to the form.

Date: Wednesday 25 March 2009
Venue: Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts
Further information and bookings: For tickets (£10, £8 concessions) please contact Lighthouse on 0844 406 8666