London’s Screen Archives enables Londoners see their past come alive on film. Managed by Film London, we are a unique network of historic film collections that cares for, collects and screens heritage film across the city. Together we preserve London’s rich film heritage from feature films to home movies, public information films, newsreels, and records of the capital’s many different industries.
This film is part of Free
Docklands Light Railway Comes to Stratford
All aboard! Take a peek at the historic moment of the Docklands Light Railway launch, as seen through the eyes of a Newham filmmaker.
From the collection of:
Overview
It's a bright August day in 1987 and Stratford Broadway is bustling with traffic and shoppers going about their business. But this is no ordinary day - there's a restless, expectant crowd looking on as the Docklands Light Railway arrives at Stratford Station for the first time! The film captures the shiny new train and swanky platforms, finishing with a point of view shot through the front window of the driverless train, a novel experience for many of the passengers.
Produced by a keen East Ham and Newham Council filmmaker, local Councillor and later Leader of the Council, this compilation reel contains various local activities celebrating Newham throughout the year 1987. Presented in Cinemascope and filmed on Super 8mm using an anamorphic lens. This film is from the collection of Newham Local History Resource Centre.
Related
Watch for free
West Ham Town Hall & Newham Youth Orchestra West Ham Town Hall & Newham Youth Orchestra
Amateur film 1986 5 mins Location: Stratford
Reopened by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the borough's Centenary celebrations, the West Ham Town Hall hosts a Newham Youth Orchestra Concert.
Watch for free
East End Bids Farewell to the Fuhrer East End Bids Farewell to the Fuhrer
Amateur film 1945 2 mins Silent Location: Stratford
Crowds carry a mock coffin of Adolf Hitler through the streets of Stratford while the Union Flag and bunting hang defiant above the WW2 rubble.
Watch for free
Options Options
Documentary 1972 27 mins Silent Location: Stratford
Slicing ham by day, gliding across a dance floor by night - introducing Mr and Mrs Rainbird, proud owners of a grocery shop on Romford Rd, Newham.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.