The Cold Blue is a new feature-length film, digitally restored, constructed from the material of 34 reels of raw, colour, footage shot during bombing missions in Germany. Captured by William Wyler, it was originally shot for the 1944 documentary The Memphis Belle: A Story Of A Flying Fortress. Incredibly all this footage was recently discovered, deep in the vaults of the National Archives by Director / Producer Erik Nelson.
In 1943, Wyler went to Europe to document the Air War in progress during WWII for the creation of the classic 1944 documentary The Memphis Belle. Wyler captured footage of bombing missions over Europe whilst flying actual combat missions with B-17s. In the Summer of 2017 nine of the very few surviving B-17 pilot veterans from this mission were interviewed and their voices take us through the harrowing world that Wyler and his cameramen captured in that summer of 1943. Created for the purpose of an immersive big screen experience, using every 21st-century technical technique available, The Cold Blue presents original, colour footage, shot by Wyler and his team, restored frame by frame. Boasting a brilliant, original orchestral score by British musician, Richard Thompson and sound design by Black Panther's David Hughes.
This event will be paired with an exclusive behind the scenes look at the making of The Cold Blue. Including a compelling and evocative look at WW2 via a range of unique perspectives, how the UK viewed the support of the allied troops, poignant and difficult moments brought to life via incredible colour footage, interviews of the 8th Airforce veterans and interviews with director Eric Nelson & Wyler's daughter Catherine, telling the remarkable story behind the found footage and how The Cold Blue was created.
The Cold Blue can be seen on the big screen for one night on Thursday 4th July, 2019, with encores in selected sites.
