The Central Scotland Documentary Festival is delighted to present the 2026 Stirling 900 Award for Achievement in Documentary to John Archer, recognising his outstanding contribution to documentary film and Scotland’s screen culture.

John Archer has a longstanding creative relationship with Mark Cousins, having produced many of his films. As part of our celebration of John as this year’s recipient of the Stirling 900 Award for Achievement in Documentary, we are delighted to present Part One of The Story of Documentary Film.

Part one of this exploration of documentary takes us back to where it all began, exploring the pioneering years of 1895 to 1918. Visiting the very buildings where some of the earliest films were made, Cousins uncovers how imagination, innovation and passion shaped the emerging art form.

Q&A
Following the screening there will be a Q&A with director Mark Cousins.

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