Peter Watkins and the Playcraft Film Unit

Long-thought-lost film The Web, along with other films, illustrate the power of Peter Watkins’ early vision in addressing conflict and revolution through collaboration with amateur actors.

Peter Watkins and the Playcraft Film Unit

UK 2017. Director Tim Jones. 29min. Digital

The Web

UK 1956. Director Peter Watkins. 20min. Digital

Diary of An Unknown Soldier

UK 1959. Director Peter Watkins. 17min. Digital. PG

The Forgotten Faces

UK 1960. Director Peter Watkins. 19min. Digital. 15

  • Total running time 85min

It’s with very good reason that Watkins’ early amateur films attracted BBC interest. Tim Jones’ documentary examines these formative productions, including interviews with Watkins’ actor friends who return to these films’ locations. The programme also includes the newly rediscovered Watkins film The Web, plus two additional early films by him.

William Fowler