Mosaic Films, in partnership with Film London, the BFI and London’s Screen Archives: the regional network has launched London Recut, a web-based initiative that allows Londoners to access and use archive film footage, some of which is available for the first time.

London Recut celebrates the capital’s abundant and extraordinary film heritage and gives Londoners a chance to discover historic moving image material and ‘recycle’ it to create their own films, using an online editing facility.

Supported through Film London's Digital Film Archive Fund, the site is aimed at everyone, from film-makers and historians to anyone curious to see what the city and their neighbourhoods used to be like and how life in the capital has changed, all captured on film over the past hundred years.

The web allows users to view and edit archive short films online as well as upload new footage to create their own filmed postcards of London. Documentary editing and storytelling workshops are being held across the city throughout April and May for anyone wanting to learn how to make the most of the web tool.

Four Tales of a City

To celebrate its launch, London Recut is holding a competition to find the best films created by the site’s users. The top four films will be chosen by a special jury of renowned Londoners from a shortlist voted for by the public. The jury includes BBC broadcaster Robert Elms; Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London; Munira Mirza, Cultural Advisor to the Mayor of London and YouTube’s film and archive remix ‘guru’, Cassetteboy.

The four projects will be offered the chance to work with a professional editor to refine their films and given distribution and exposure opportunities, including a premiere at Rushes Soho Shorts Film Festival and taking part in a film touring programme.

Those wishing to participate have until 13 June to submit their films and the winners will be announced on 26 July.

Commenting on the initiative, Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London said: “London Recut is a groundbreaking new project that gives free and easy access to tools which enable Londoners to explore and produce short films. The stunning rare achieve footage of the city celebrates London’s rich cultural heritage and will inspire people throughout the capital. The films produced through London Recut will leave a lasting legacy of artistic works by and about London's citizens.”

To find out more about London Recut and the competition, visit the London Recut website.