A cinematic story of Exploration

A record of one of the greatest survival stories in the history of exploration, South is the original film – exquisitely photographed by Frank Hurley – of Shackleton’s 1914-16 Endurance expedition to Antarctica, during which the ship was crushed by ice, stranding the crew. Shackleton’s death over 100 years ago in 1922 is seen to have marked the end of the ‘heroic age’ of Antarctic exploration.

Now considered the world’s first documentary feature, South was restored in pre-digital days by the BFI National Archive with its original tinting. The film was digitally remastered for its centenary release in 2019, with an atmospheric, newly commissioned score by Neil Brand which will be performed live by members of the BBC Concert Orchestra with conductor Hugh Brunt.

Ticket holders for South can enjoy free admission to Journeys at 8.30pm in the Royal Concert Hall auditorium. Find out more here