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Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, a Finn and a founder member of the newly formed Amber Associates, came with the group to the North East of England in 1969 and set up home in the old Byker area of Newcastle. Over the next twelve years she documented the people of Byker and aspects of their culture in photographs and in taped conversations.

When shown on television Byker was met with outbursts of condemnation by some city councillors, who were outraged by the film’s promotion of working class culture, and interesting debates ensued both in the local press and at further showings of the film around the country.

An AMBER Production featuring
The People of Byker

1983
Running time: 53 mins
Colour
Optical
Drama/Documentary
Available in:
16 mm
VHS Tape

Awards

International Critics Award & Special Town of Leipzig Award (84)

Grand Prix, Tampere (85)

Best Documentary, Troia (85)

Made under the auspices of the ACTT Workshop Declaration with financial assistance from Northern Arts and Channel Four Television.